Of Mountains and Routes Over Them: A Survey of Theories of Industrial Relations

In an attempt to provide short yet concise explanations of the main theories in Industrial
Relations that have evolved throughout the years, Dabschecks paper is a very insightful read as it
provided insights, which included the contrasting styles of the approaches. Critical analyses were also
done, differentiating the degrees of the roles of the state and public interest.
For the most part, I find it sensible to Dabchecks findings regarding the interaction of the roles,
which for instance, with regard to a part of a system, it is necessary for it to be seen in conjunction with
the whole system. However, it is quite interesting how the author downplays the importance of the
public interest, as it is said to have no useful logical role in Industrial Relations in the analytical
perspective. It provoked me to think more critically. As I see it, it is the public interest that actually
commands the demand in the society. Therefore, in the long term, it should also make a commanding
influence to how Corporations will behave as the latter will always strive to meet what the public
demands. For instance, how the public decides to value a service provided by specific sector will dictate
organizations movements which includes the necessary steps for to continue being profitable. Hence,
though it is not directly, it is the interest of the public which is one of the most important factors to
consider in Industrial Relations.