ABSTRACT
This chapter analyses the socio-economic conditions and processes that bring a maelstrom of change in industrial relations and hence in employees’ roles and ability to shape and control industrial activity at their place of work. The political difference between the early industrialisation, that was analysed and referred to by classical theorists and the era during and after World War II, is based on the characteristics of international trade amongst nations, and in the rapid rise of multinational corporations. Both became the most important features of capitalism’s internationalised operation. In relation to the new state principles and aims for the economic activity of public corporations, these can be summarised through two parallel ideas that of international harmonisation of economic activity and of the liberalisation of internal economic activity from state national orientated controls and interests. The common denominator of transformation, however, it appears to be in the processes that dictate the pace, magnitude and direction of industrial activity.
