Overview
This unit studies the employment relationship. It studies the ways in which people are employed in various countries. You will analyse the labour markets and systems of employment relations in these countries. You will discuss the issues that emerge from this labour market analysis. This discussion will provide you with an insight into contemporary public policy and human resource management issues in a number of countries. HRMT20027 Employment Relations introduces students to the study of employment relations. HRMT20029 International Employment Relations builds upon this base by analysing employment relations in a number of significant market economies. The focus of this unit is the study of employment relations on a comparative basis. The theoretical perspectives that underpin the study of employment relations in HRMT20027 are incorporated into the theories that inform the study of comparative employment relations in HRMT20029.
Details
Pre-requisites or Co-requisites
There are no requisites for this unit.
Important note: Students enrolled in a subsequent unit who failed their pre-requisite unit, should drop the subsequent unit before the census date or within 10 working days of Fail grade notification. Students who do not drop the unit in this timeframe cannot later drop the unit without academic and financial liability. See details in the Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework).
Offerings For Term 1 - 2025
Attendance Requirements
All on-campus students are expected to attend scheduled classes - in some units, these classes are identified as a mandatory (pass/fail) component and attendance is compulsory. International students, on a student visa, must maintain a full time study load and meet both attendance and academic progress requirements in each study period (satisfactory attendance for International students is defined as maintaining at least an 80% attendance record).
Recommended Student Time Commitment
Each 6-credit Postgraduate unit at CQUniversity requires an overall time commitment of an average of 12.5 hours of study per week, making a total of 150 hours for the unit.
Class Timetable
Assessment Overview
Assessment Grading
This is a graded unit: your overall grade will be calculated from the marks or grades for each assessment task, based on the relative weightings shown in the table above. You must obtain an overall mark for the unit of at least 50%, or an overall grade of 'pass' in order to pass the unit. If any 'pass/fail' tasks are shown in the table above they must also be completed successfully ('pass' grade). You must also meet any minimum mark requirements specified for a particular assessment task, as detailed in the 'assessment task' section (note that in some instances, the minimum mark for a task may be greater than 50%). Consult the University's Grades and Results Policy for more details of interim results and final grades.
All University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
You may wish to view these policies:
- Grades and Results Policy
- Assessment Policy and Procedure (Higher Education Coursework)
- Review of Grade Procedure
- Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - Domestic Students
- Monitoring Academic Progress (MAP) Policy and Procedure - International Students
- Student Refund and Credit Balance Policy and Procedure
- Student Feedback - Compliments and Complaints Policy and Procedure
- Information and Communications Technology Acceptable Use Policy and Procedure
This list is not an exhaustive list of all University policies. The full list of University policies are available on the CQUniversity Policy site.
Feedback, Recommendations and Responses
Every unit is reviewed for enhancement each year. At the most recent review, the following staff and student feedback items were identified and recommendations were made.
Feedback from Unit Coordinator's Response, In-Class Students' Comments, and Self-Reflection
Simplify content delivery and enhance coordination
Adapt lectures and workshops for non-business students by breaking down complex concepts into simpler language and using relatable examples. Ensure consistent communication and support throughout the term, providing additional resources and guidance to help students from diverse academic backgrounds better understand the material.
- Identify and discuss the main characteristics of employment relations in a number of countries
- Compare and contrast employment relations in various countries
- Critically analyse the labour markets of a number of countries
- Critically discuss various human resource management issues that arise from the study of a number of labour markets. Explain the significance of these matters to both a specialist and general audience
- Critically evaluate and demonstrate understanding of the theories that inform comparative employment relations.
The proposed change in the assessment format keeps the same goals as before, like improving communication, critical thinking, technical skills, research abilities, self-management, ethics, and leadership qualities. This means the impact on external accreditation will likely not be applicable. It is important to check that the changes match existing accreditation criteria. Clear documentation and open communication will help address any concerns from external accreditation bodies. Regular monitoring and feedback will ensure the ongoing fit of the new assessment format with accreditation standards.
Alignment of Assessment Tasks to Learning Outcomes
| Assessment Tasks | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Written Assessment - 50% | |||||
| 2 - Presentation - 50% | |||||
Alignment of Graduate Attributes to Learning Outcomes
| Graduate Attributes | Learning Outcomes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | |
| 1 - Knowledge | |||||
| 2 - Communication | |||||
| 3 - Cognitive, technical and creative skills | |||||
| 4 - Research | |||||
| 5 - Self-management | |||||
| 6 - Ethical and Professional Responsibility | |||||
| 7 - Leadership | |||||
| 8 - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultures | |||||
Textbooks
International and Comparative Employment Relations: Global Crises and Institutional Responses
Edition: 7th (2021)
Authors: Greg J. Bamber, Fang Lee Cooke, Virginia Doellgast, & Chris F Wright
Sage
ISBN: 978-1-5264-9965-3
IT Resources
- CQUniversity Student Email
- Internet
- Unit Website (Moodle)
All submissions for this unit must use the referencing style: American Psychological Association 7th Edition (APA 7th edition)
For further information, see the Assessment Tasks.
a.haque@cqu.edu.au
Module/Topic
Introduction: Internationally Comparative Approaches to Studying
Employment Relations (Chapter 1)
Employment Relations in the United Kingdom (Chapter 2)
Chapter
Chapters 1 & 2
Events and Submissions/Topic
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Employment Relations in the United States
Chapter
Chapter 3
Events and Submissions/Topic
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Employment Relations in Canada
Chapter
Chapter 4
Events and Submissions/Topic
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Employment Relations in Australia
Chapter
Chapter 5
Events and Submissions/Topic
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Employment Relations in Italy
Chapter
Chapter 6
Events and Submissions/Topic
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Chapter
Events and Submissions/Topic
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Employment Relations in France
Chapter
Chapter 7
Events and Submissions/Topic
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Employment Relations in Germany
Chapter
Chapter 8
Events and Submissions/Topic
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Employment Relations in Denmark
Chapter
Chapter 9
Events and Submissions/Topic
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Employment Relations in Japan
Chapter
Chapter 10
Events and Submissions/Topic
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Employment Relations in South Korea
Chapter
Chapter 11
Events and Submissions/Topic
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Employment Relations in China
Chapter
Chapter 12
Events and Submissions/Topic
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Employment Relations in India (Chapter 13)
Conclusions: Globalisation, Crises and Institutional Responses (Chapter 15)
Chapter
Chapters 13 &15
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Events and Submissions/Topic
1 Written Assessment
In this assignment, you are tasked with identifying and thoroughly discussing 2-3 key challenges currently facing employment relations in Australia. Your analysis should extend to the challenges experienced by unions and the enterprise bargaining system in adapting to these evolving conditions.
Additionally, you are required to explore and critically evaluate the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on employment relations in Australia. This includes examining how AI-driven technologies are reshaping workplace dynamics, influencing job roles, and altering the balance of power between employers, employees, and unions.
Key Focus Areas:
- Emerging Challenges in Employment Relations: Identify and analyse 2-3 major challenges impacting employment relations, such as the rise of precarious work (or gig work), regulatory changes, or shifting labour market dynamics.
Discuss how these challenges affect both employers and employees across various sectors. - Challenges for Unions and the Enterprise Bargaining System: Evaluate how unions are responding to contemporary issues, including declining membership, legislative reforms, and the growing gig economy.
Examine the effectiveness of the enterprise bargaining system in protecting workers' rights amidst these changes. - Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on Employment Relations: Analyse how AI technologies—such as automation, machine learning, and algorithmic decision-making—are transforming job roles, recruitment processes, and performance management. Discuss the ethical and practical implications of AI in the workplace, including concerns around job displacement, data privacy, and workplace surveillance.
Evaluate how unions and regulatory bodies are addressing AI-related challenges within the employment landscape.
Guidelines:
Literature Review: Conduct a literature review using scholarly articles, academic journals, and reputable sources to understand the current challenges in Australian employment relations. Focus on key issues like technological changes, shifting workforce dynamics, and regulatory developments.
Union Challenges and Enterprise Bargaining: Discuss the challenges facing unions in Australia, such as declining membership, changes in workforce structure, and new technologies like AI. Analyse how the enterprise bargaining system is coping with these shifts, considering recent legal changes and the rise of the gig economy.
Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI): Evaluate how AI is affecting employment relations in Australia. Look at how AI is changing job roles, recruitment, and performance management. Consider its impact on job security, workplace fairness, and how unions and bargaining systems are responding to these changes.
Critical Reflection: Reflect on the current state of employment relations in Australia. Suggest potential solutions or strategies to address the challenges you’ve identified, especially in managing AI’s growing role in the workplace.
Word Length: 2500 words (excluding references and Appendix)
Week 6 Friday (25 Apr 2025) 11:59 pm AEST
Submissions must be uploaded to the Moodle website
Week 8 Friday (9 May 2025)
Assignments will be returned at the completion of the marking and moderation process
Literature Review (10 marks):
Conduct a literature review that identifies and discusses scholarly articles and reputable sources related to the challenges in Australian employment relations. Your review should lay a solid foundation for understanding current issues, such as technological changes, workforce shifts, and legal developments.
Union Challenges and Enterprise Bargaining (10 marks):
Explore the challenges facing unions in Australia, such as changing workforce dynamics and the rise of AI. Analyse how the enterprise bargaining system is adapting to these changes, including recent trends, legal reforms, and the impacts of economic and social shifts.
Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) (10 marks):
Evaluate the impact of AI on employment relations in Australia. Consider how AI is reshaping job roles, recruitment processes, and workplace dynamics. Analyse its effect on job security, fairness, and union influence in the workplace.
Critical Reflection (15 marks):
Provide a thoughtful reflection on the current state of employment relations in Australia. Offer potential solutions or strategies to address the identified challenges, particularly focusing on managing AI integration in the workforce and strengthening union roles.
Clear Structure and Expression (2 marks):
Assess the essay's overall structure, coherence, and clarity of writing. The essay should be logically organised and easy to follow, with clear and concise language.
Correct Referencing Style (2 marks):
Adherence to the prescribed referencing style (APA 7th ed.) for accurate and consistent citations throughout the essay.
Appropriate Word Length (1 mark):
Ensure the essay adheres to the appropriate word limit (maximum 2,500 words, excluding references and appendices).
- Identify and discuss the main characteristics of employment relations in a number of countries
- Compare and contrast employment relations in various countries
- Critically analyse the labour markets of a number of countries
- Critically discuss various human resource management issues that arise from the study of a number of labour markets. Explain the significance of these matters to both a specialist and general audience
- Critically evaluate and demonstrate understanding of the theories that inform comparative employment relations.
2 Presentation
Individual Presentation - Comparative Analysis of State Role in Employment Relations
In this individual presentation, you are required to conduct an in-depth comparative analysis of the state's role in employment relations within two specific countries covered in the unit. Your primary objective is to evaluate how government policies, regulations, and interventions shape and influence employment relations in these nations.
Key Points to Address:
Comparison and Contrast: Provide a detailed comparison of how each country's government influences employment relations, considering factors such as legislation, labour market policies, collective bargaining, and workplace regulations.
Impact Analysis: Examine how these governmental interventions affect both employers and employees in each country, with a focus on job security, wage policies, and workers' rights.
Professional Presentation: The presentation should be structured, clear, and engaging, maintaining a professional tone and appearance throughout. It must last 20 minutes, with 15 minutes allocated for the presentation and 5 minutes for an in-class Q&A session.
Presentation Guidelines:
For your individual presentation, which constitutes 50% of your overall assessment, you are required to:
- Presentation Video: Create a 15-minute video presentation supported by 12-15 PowerPoint slides. Ensure that your slides are clear, concise, and visually engaging to support the key points of your presentation.
- Executive Summary: Accompany your video with a 1-page Executive Summary that provides a succinct overview of your presentation. The Executive Summary should include the link to your recorded video (hosted on YouTube or Google Drive).
- Submission Instructions: Submit both your Executive Summary and PowerPoint slides on Moodle by the Week 11 deadline (Friday, 30 May 2025, 11:59 PM AEST).
- Q&A Session: You must attend the Week 12 workshop for a 5-minute Q&A session where your lecturer or classmates will ask questions related to your presentation. Active participation in the Q&A is essential to completing the assessment. Be prepared to respond confidently and demonstrate a clear understanding of your topic.
Week 11 Friday (30 May 2025) 11:59 pm AEST
As this is the final assessment item for this unit, submissions, along with marks and comments, will not be returned until the Certification of Grades date.
Country Selection & State’s Role Assessment (10 marks):
- Evaluation of carefully selected countries with distinct employment relations systems.
- Provide an insightful overview of the state's role, covering aspects such as labour laws, regulations, and the impact on both workers and employers.
Institutional Framework Analysis (10 marks):
- Analyse the institutional frameworks established by each state.
- Highlight the roles played by institutions, agencies, and regulatory bodies in mediating employment relations within each country.
Impact on Stakeholders Evaluation (10 marks):
- Assess how the state's role influences various stakeholders in the employment landscape.
- Analyse the implications on workplace dynamics, negotiation processes, and overall employment conditions for both workers and employers.
Future Trends and Recommendations/Critical Reflection (20 marks):
- Provide insights into potential future trends in the state's role for each country, based on your analysis.
- Present well-founded recommendations for enhancing or modifying the state's approach to effectively address emerging challenges in employment relations.
- Identify and discuss the main characteristics of employment relations in a number of countries
- Compare and contrast employment relations in various countries
- Critically analyse the labour markets of a number of countries
- Critically discuss various human resource management issues that arise from the study of a number of labour markets. Explain the significance of these matters to both a specialist and general audience
- Critically evaluate and demonstrate understanding of the theories that inform comparative employment relations.
As a CQUniversity student you are expected to act honestly in all aspects of your academic work.
Any assessable work undertaken or submitted for review or assessment must be your own work. Assessable work is any type of work you do to meet the assessment requirements in the unit, including draft work submitted for review and feedback and final work to be assessed.
When you use the ideas, words or data of others in your assessment, you must thoroughly and clearly acknowledge the source of this information by using the correct referencing style for your unit. Using others’ work without proper acknowledgement may be considered a form of intellectual dishonesty.
Participating honestly, respectfully, responsibly, and fairly in your university study ensures the CQUniversity qualification you earn will be valued as a true indication of your individual academic achievement and will continue to receive the respect and recognition it deserves.
As a student, you are responsible for reading and following CQUniversity’s policies, including the Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure. This policy sets out CQUniversity’s expectations of you to act with integrity, examples of academic integrity breaches to avoid, the processes used to address alleged breaches of academic integrity, and potential penalties.
What is a breach of academic integrity?
A breach of academic integrity includes but is not limited to plagiarism, self-plagiarism, collusion, cheating, contract cheating, and academic misconduct. The Student Academic Integrity Policy and Procedure defines what these terms mean and gives examples.
Why is academic integrity important?
A breach of academic integrity may result in one or more penalties, including suspension or even expulsion from the University. It can also have negative implications for student visas and future enrolment at CQUniversity or elsewhere. Students who engage in contract cheating also risk being blackmailed by contract cheating services.
Where can I get assistance?
For academic advice and guidance, the Academic Learning Centre (ALC) can support you in becoming confident in completing assessments with integrity and of high standard.
What can you do to act with integrity?
