Employer collective action and employers’ associations in Asia

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book presents unique characteristics underpinning employers' associations in the various economies, some common characteristics which inform explanations of the ways businesses operate and the impacts of employers' associations in Asia. It examines the diverse range of economies reveals the complexities of employer collective action and employers' associations and their impact upon labour market and other matters. The book discusses the development of active employers' associations and the emerging transition from a state corporatist model to more independent and professional organizational structure. It outlines the various perspectives on employers' associations that serve to locate and drive differences in national industrial relations systems and business organizations. The book commences with a brief introduction and provides an outline of the historical and political context, industry structure, types of firms, as well as brief outline of labour markets, industrial relations and human resource management (HRM).