Works Councils and Learning: On the Dynamic Dimension of Codetermination

Uwe Jirjahn, Jens Mohrenweiser and Uschi Backes-Gellner

No 116, Working Papers from University of Zurich, Institute for Strategy and Business Economics (ISU)

Abstract: This study provides the first econometric analysis on the dynamic dimension of establishment-level codetermination in Germany. We hypothesize that learning implies a change in the nature and scope of codetermination over time. Using unique data from small- and medium-sized establishments, our empirical analysis provides strong evidence that learning indeed plays a crucial role in the functioning of works councils. First, the probability of an adversarial relationship between management and works council is decreasing in the age of the council. Second, the council’s age is positively associated with the probability that the council has an influence even on decisions where it has no legal powers. Third, productivity is increasing in the age of the council. Fourth, the quit rate is decreasing in the age of the council. However, the estimates also provide evidence of a codetermination life cycle.

Keywords: Codetermination; Learning; Conflict; Cooperation; Performance (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: J52 J53 K31 M54 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Pages: 41 pages
Date: 2009-09, Revised 2010-11
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (3)

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http://repec.business.uzh.ch/RePEc/iso/ISU_WPS/116_ISU_full.pdf (application/pdf)

Related works:
Journal Article: Works Councils and Learning: On the Dynamic Dimension of Codetermination (2011)
Working Paper: Works Councils and Learning: On the Dynamic Dimension of Codetermination (2010)
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:iso:wpaper:0116

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