An Overview of Industrial Relations Research in the Nordic Countries: Institutions and Trends

Abstract

This review gives a multidisciplinary overview of work-life research in the Nordic countries (with the exception of Iceland). While concentrating on the most important institutes in these countries, it also includes details of the work of research groups and some individual researchers. Since this is an area of research which is controversial and characterized by a large number of actors, the achievements have often been submerged in the debates. Seen in a longer and broader perspective, there is no doubt that research has been a major contributor to the adaptation and improvement of modern working life. An important keyword in working-life research is change: what earlier seemed obvious and natural is suddenly problematic.