Globalisation, Institutions and Interests: Comparing Recent Changes in Industrial Relations Policy in Australia and New Zealand

Abstract

This article explores the possibilities for an integrated theoretical framework which is capable of explaining similarities and differences in national industrial relations policies in the context of globalisation. The first half of the article reviews three theoretical frameworks that can be used to compare industrial relations developments in different countries- simple globalisation, the new institutionalism and a material interest approach to political economy. It argues that whilst institutionalist arguments tend to dominate analysis of the effects of globalisation on national patterns of industrial relations, a model which combines institutionalist and material interest approaches can overcome some of the anomalies attendant in institutionalist analysis. The second section demonstrates the benefits of an integrative theoretical framework for explaining patterns of industrial relations reform in Australia and New Zealand during the 1980s and 1990s. The article concludes by examining the implications of this discussion for broader debates about relationship between globalisation and national patterns of public policy.