Lilian Miles

The significance of cultural norms in the evolution of Korean HRM practices

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to consider recent changes to human resource management practices in South Korean firms (traditionally influenced by Confucian ideology) as they respond to the demands and pressures brought by liberalization and globalization.Design/methodology/approach – This paper critically analyses a range of recently published (2000‐2006) works on South Korean human resource management practices with a view to predicting future trends in company practices.Findings – South Korean firms are breaking with tradition and experimenting with western style HRM practices. Changes to traditional practices indicate a move away from Confucian style company management, which may have repercussions for its society.Originality/value – This paper fulfils an identified information/resources need and contributes to the study of recent changes and developments in corporate governance in South East Asian countries.

Improving Corporate Governance in State-Owned Corporations in China: Which Way Forward?

This article discusses corporate governance in China. It outlines the basic agency problem in Chinese listed companies and questions the effectiveness of the current mechanisms employed to improve their standards of governance. Importantly, it considers alternative means through which corporate practice in China can be brought into line with international expectations and stresses the urgency with which this task must be tackled. It concludes that regulators in China must construct a corporate governance model which is compatible with its domestic setting and not rush to adopt governance initiatives modelled on those in cultures which are fundamentally different in the hope of also reproducing their success.

The Capabilities Approach and Worker Wellbeing

Abstract Recently, scholars have attempted to apply the capabilities approach, as advanced by Amartya Sen, to the realm of labour. They argue that it provides a philosophical justification for a ‘development’ approach to labour regulation, supports the design of policies that promote workers’ wellbeing and validates the institution of worker participation mechanisms. For labour proponents, this is an exciting prospect. This article argues that despite its promise for expanding workers’ capabilities, certain ambiguities potentially impede the approach’s utility, particularly in developing countries. We suggest ways in which it can be refined and developed to better serve the interests of labour in these contexts, notably by promoting collective and not merely individual capabilities.

Gramsci, Counter-hegemony and Labour Union-Civil Society Organisation Coalitions in Malaysia

The dramatic outcome of the Malaysian 2008 elections has been interpreted within a Gramscian framework. It has, for example, been suggested that the hegemony created by the Malaysian ruling class is being contested, leading to a weakening of its legitimacy, and that an active class of organic intellectuals is emerging and helping to develop potential bases for counter-hegemonic participation. We employ an alternative Gramscian approach, restoring relevant aspects of Gramscis theories to the centre of analysis. We, therefore, focus on mutual perceptions in coalitions between civil society organisations and trade unions as a key indicator of the strength of counter-hegemonic forces. We conclude that accounts that claim that “counter-hegemony” is developing are questionable at best. Fundamental differences exist between these central institutional actors which sit uneasily with claims that the construction of counter-hegemony is under way.

Current changes in labour management and industrial relations in Japan and their impact on its “stakeholder‐oriented” governance model

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to consider how recent changes in Japanese labour management and industrial relations are affecting its traditional “stakeholder‐oriented” governance model, where special recognition was given to company employees.Design/methodology/approach – This paper critically analyses a range of recently published (2000‐2006) works on Japanese labour management and industrial relations with a view to predicting future trends in Japanese employment practices.Findings – The paper finds that Japanese firms are breaking with tradition and experimenting with Western style employment practices. Changes in such practices indicate a move away from the traditional model of governance. It may be that a hybrid model of governance is emerging.Originality/value – This paper fulfils an identified information/resources need and contributes to the study of recent changes and developments in corporate governance in South East Asian countries.

Promoting an Inclusive Approach on the Part of Directors: The UK and German Positions

This article discusses the initiatives taken in the UK to encourage directors to adopt a more inclusive approach when managing their companies. In particular, it provides a discussion of the recent initiatives taken in UK law to regulate the duties of directors and reporting obligations. It argues that, given the particular corporate culture and legal framework in the UK, it is by no means certain that these reforms will cultivate a broader societal outlook on the part of directors. It goes on to compare the UK with Germany, where the prerequisites for the cultivation of an inclusive approach are already well embedded within the governance system. The article concludes with the proposition that an alternative way of encouraging directors to be more receptive to non-member stakeholder concerns is to give non-member stakeholders a right to participate in the governance of the company.

Ethnicity, popular democratic movements and labour in Malaysia

This article uses framing theory to examine how activists and trade unions have framed labour’s political agenda in Malaysia. A polity grounded in ethnicity continues to hinder the formation of cross-ethnic collective worker identities and labour politics. However, inclusive popular democratising movements have strengthened in recent years, providing a favourable context for greater emphasis on non-ethnic political action by trade unions. The latter have shifted in this direction, adopting elements of the popular movement’s ‘human rights’ internationalism. Thus, the democratic movement’s frame has influenced that of the trade unions, with implications for framing theory.

The Social Relations Approach, empowerment and women factory workers in Malaysia

This article discusses the empowerment of women factory workers in Malaysia through the lens of Kabeer’s Social Relations Approach. The approach offers an institutional analysis of how gender inequality is produced and calls for the overall terms of exchange and cooperation to be shifted in women’s favour. Its application shows that Malaysian women factory workers face significant challenges, due to the character of institutions, and women’s difficulties in adopting and internalising the notion of ‘empowerment’.

The ‘integrative approach’ and labour regulation and Indonesia: Prospects and challenges

In contrast to theories of regulation which bypass the state and cede regulatory authority to private regimes, the scholar Kevin Kolben makes a cogent argument for the state to be brought back to centre stage in labour regulation, but envisages that private actors can develop and strengthen its capacity. This article considers the utility of what he terms an integrative approach for Indonesia. In line with what the approach advocates, the article examines the relationships between private actors and the state and considers the extent to which the former can communicate, interact with and incentivise the latter in ways which strengthen its regulatory capacity. Several challenges are identified. Finally, the potential of the Better Work Programme in Indonesia to further the goals of the approach is assessed.