Journal on Policy and Complex Systems Volume 6, Number 1, Spring 2020 | Page 55
Journal on Policy and Complex Systems • Volume 6, Number 1 • Spring 2020
Multi-Group Labor-Management Negotiations:
Model and Case Study
Sanda Kaufman
Department of Urban Studies, Cleveland State University
[email protected]
Maria Koutsovoulou
ESCP Business School
Miron Kaufman
Department of Physics, Cleveland State University
Abstract
This interdisciplinary work examines the complex process of negotiating
labor relations in general and in the specific context of
France. Drawing on social identity theory, we use a dynamic, multiplex
network model to capture interactions between several groups
of labor relations actors. At one multiplex level, union members
interact with each other and with their representatives; at a second
level, management negotiators interact with union negotiators.
Government regulations and internal organizational factors form
the negotiations context, which can affect the negotiation process
and outcomes. We map multiple interactions in time under different
contextual conditions—scenarios—enabling parties to explore
various strategies and their expected results, and to develop ways
to attain or avoid them.
To illustrate the model’s potential, we focus here on a Major European
Industrial company (MEI) active in four European countries
(France, Great Britain, Germany, and Spain). We collect MEI-specific
labor relations data through participatory observation and
interviews at the French site. We estimate MEI-specific model parameters
and generate scenarios of conflict trajectories and outcomes
for this case under several contextual assumptions.
Keywords: dynamic network model of negotiations; French labor
relations; anticipatory scenarios; conflict resolution & Cooperation;
group decisions & collective behaviors
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doi: 10.18278/jpcs.6.1.4