ABSTRACT
This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book discusses the important and highly relevant dimension of European Union social policy, encompassing developments in employment policy at the European and national levels. It examines the significance of the well-established European works councils and the ways in which their influence may be strengthened within transnational companies. The book also discusses European works councils in terms of their overall impact on the newly emerging European employment policy. It analyses a new and comprehensive 'turnaround' organizational paradigm in the off-shore petrochemical industry in Norway. The book explores democratic participation in the information and communications industry in the Netherlands. It presents an up-to-date survey of economic and social councils across Europe. The book also examines the Central and Eastern European experiences of privatization and/or financial participation as a lever for participation in decision making.
