Changing Paradigm of Employee Relations in India after Independence

Abstract

The article critically analyses evolution of industrial relations (IR) into employee relations (ER) with changing industrial landscape and workforce dynamics. Role of various stakeholders including employers, leadership, employees and legislations in evolution of employee relations has been explored. It covers influence of critical factors shaping IR and ER in post-independence India from its transition from an agrarian economy to industrial and emergence of a dominant service economy. Role of leadership at different levels and response strategy of organisations have been changing over period with clear patterns. Effect of economic liberalisation and new economic policy on management of employee relations has also been explored. Based on trends of the past, forecasting has been made regarding form and shape of ER in near future. In summary, this article attempts to analyse historical development of IR and ER, Trade Unions, Collectivism in India and identify important factors that led to its current state of existence.