ABSTRACT
This chapter outlines the concepts and theories relating to employer collective action and employers' organizations, with particular reference to the labour market. It draws mainly upon literature and insights that have been derived from the analysis of such arrangements in Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) countries, mainly in North America and Europe. The chapter sets these insights against the actual historical and contemporary situation in OECD countries, extracting broad stylized facts and speculating on future trends. It discusses the historical development of organization, influences on structure and strategies, interactions with trade unions, responsiveness and cohesiveness of employers' associations to external challenges, and the relationship with the state. The chapter presents a set of dimensions which help map employer organizations in terms of structure, membership and governance, focusing on an analysis of functions and activities. It draws upon notions of 'varieties of capitalism', variety of employers' associations, reflecting different relationships between individual firms, trade unions and the state.
