Industrial Relations: Concepts, Parties, Collective Bargaining and Code of Discipline (Overview) Questions

Question 1

Define industrial relations (IR).

Accepted Answer

Industrial relations is the relationship system between **employers**, **employees/workmen** (and their unions) and the **government** in matters of work and employment (concept).

Question 2

Name any one party to industrial relations.

Accepted Answer

**Trade union** (or employer/management, employees/workmen, government) (concept).

Question 3

State one objective of sound industrial relations.

Accepted Answer

To maintain **industrial peace** and reduce disputes (concept).

Question 4

What is collective bargaining? (concept)

Accepted Answer

**Collective bargaining** is negotiation between employer/management and workers’ representatives to agree on wages and working conditions (concept).

Question 5

Code of Discipline is a voluntary code for promoting industrial peace. (True/False)

Accepted Answer

True. The **Code of Discipline** is a voluntary set of principles to maintain industrial peace (concept).

Question 6

State one cause of poor industrial relations.

Accepted Answer

**Delayed grievance redressal** / wage dissatisfaction / poor working conditions (any one) (concept).

Question 7

List any three parties to industrial relations and mention their role briefly (use points).

Accepted Answer

Any three parties and roles (concept):

- **Employer/management**: sets policies, provides wages/conditions, ensures compliance
- **Employees/workmen**: perform work, raise grievances, participate in productivity
- **Trade unions**: represent workers, negotiate, protect rights (concept)
- **Government**: law-making, enforcement, conciliation/adjudication (concept)

Any three with brief role are sufficient.

Question 8

Write any three features of collective bargaining (points).

Accepted Answer

Features (any three) (concept):

- involves **group action** through unions
- process of negotiation and compromise (concept)
- **continuous** and dynamic process
- results in an agreement/settlement (concept)

Any three points are sufficient.

Question 9

Explain the process of collective bargaining using a simple flowchart and brief note.

Accepted Answer

Collective bargaining process (flow) (concept):

Preparation → Negotiation meetings → Proposals & counter-proposals → Agreement/settlement → Implementation → Review

Briefly, the aim is to reach a mutually acceptable agreement on employment terms and avoid disputes (concept).

Question 10

Differentiate unitary and pluralist approaches to industrial relations using a small table.

Accepted Answer

Unitary vs pluralist (concept):

| Point | **Unitary** | **Pluralist** |
|---|---|---|
| View of organisation | one family (common goals) | multiple groups (management & unions) (concept) |
| Conflict | abnormal | natural and managed through bargaining (concept) |
| Role of unions | less emphasis | important representative role |

Thus, pluralist approach recognises bargaining as a key IR mechanism (concept).

Question 11

State any three benefits of collective bargaining and any two limitations (use a small table).

Accepted Answer

Collective bargaining (concept):

| **Benefits** (any three) | **Limitations** (any two) |
|---|---|
| supports **industrial peace** | lack of trust between parties (concept) |
| improves communication and cooperation | union rivalry/weak union recognition |
| sets clear rules on wages/conditions (concept) | delays and legal/policy constraints (concept) |

Any valid points are acceptable.

Question 12

Write any three causes of poor industrial relations and any two measures to improve IR (use points/table).

Accepted Answer

Causes of poor IR (any three) (concept):
- wage dissatisfaction
- poor working conditions/safety
- **delayed grievance redressal** (concept)
- lack of communication, union rivalry (concept)

Measures to improve IR (any two) (concept):
- strengthen **grievance redressal** and communication
- encourage collective bargaining and participation
- fair wages and safe working conditions (concept)

Any valid points are acceptable.

Question 13

Write an exam-style note on collective bargaining: meaning, features and benefits (include a table and conclusion).

Accepted Answer

### Meaning
**Collective bargaining** is negotiation between employer/management and workers’ representatives to reach an agreement on wages, working conditions and other terms (concept).

### Features (any 4)
- **group action** through union
- continuous process (concept)
- negotiation and compromise
- leads to agreement/settlement (concept)

### Benefits (table)
| Benefit | Explanation (concept) |
|---|---|
| **Industrial peace** | reduces disputes and work stoppages |
| Clarity | sets clear rules on wages/conditions |
| Cooperation | improves communication and trust (concept) |

### Conclusion
Effective collective bargaining creates stable and fair employment relations and supports productivity (concept).

Question 14

Explain the Code of Discipline: meaning, purpose and key principles (exam-style) using points and a table.

Accepted Answer

### Meaning
The **Code of Discipline** is a voluntary set of principles accepted by employers and unions to promote discipline and **industrial peace** (concept).

### Purpose
- reduce industrial conflict (concept)
- promote responsible unionism and fair management practice
- encourage settlement through negotiation and grievance redressal (concept)

### Key principles (table)
| Principle | What it implies (concept) |
|---|---|
| Avoid strikes/lockouts without notice | follow peaceful methods |
| **Grievance redressal** | use negotiation/settlement machinery |
| Respect agreements/awards | comply with settlements (concept) |

### Conclusion
The code aims to build trust and reduce disputes through voluntary self-discipline (concept).

Question 15

Explain the role of government in maintaining industrial relations (exam-style) with a small flow/table and conclusion.

Accepted Answer

### Role of government (concept)
Government maintains industrial relations through law-making, enforcement and dispute settlement.

### Role (table)
| Function | Examples (concept) |
|---|---|
| **Law-making** | labour laws/codes, wage and safety rules |
| **Enforcement** | inspections, authorities, penalties (concept) |
| Dispute settlement | conciliation, labour courts/tribunals (concept) |

### Conclusion
By combining regulation with dispute settlement mechanisms, government helps maintain **industrial peace** and protects stakeholder interests (concept).

Industrial Relations: Concepts, Parties, Collective Bargaining and Code of Discipline (Overview)

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