Managers, workers, their union and modernization: interpretations of management and change at the royal mail

Beirne, M. (2011) Managers, workers, their union and modernization: interpretations of management and change at the royal mail. In: 7th International Critical Management Studies Conference, Naples, Italy, 11-13 July 2012,

Abstract

Against a background of severe financial and competitive pressures, politicians, independent commentators and senior executives have challenged the UK Royal Mail to secure fundamental improvements in efficiency and responsiveness from ongoing attempts to modernize its letters operation. This paper explores interpretations and reactions ‘on the ground’, among managers, workers and union representatives. By contrast with much of the published research on views and experiences of change at work, it concentrates on the interplay of employee and managerial identities, sensitivities and responses. The findings highlight tensions between and within management and labour, yet also point to some shared meanings, cross-boundary affinities and shifting patterns of allegiance that stimulated joint questioning, criticising and resisting behaviour. This was directed at the modernizing agenda set by those at the top of the Royal Mail, and also emerging partnership ties between the executive levels of the company and the Communication Workers Union.

• Item Type: Conference Proceedings
• Keywords: Automation, partnership, work re-structuring, industrial relations, subjectivity, agency and workplace politics
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Beirne, Professor Martin
• Authors: Beirne, M.
• College/School: College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management