Workplace Bargaining in Small & Medium Enterprises in India: Trends & Practices

Abstract

The present paper attempts to explore and describe the existent workplace bargaining practices in Indian SMEs. Small & Medium Enterprises, which have been acclimatised as engines of growth and development in developing economies (Fashoyin, 2006) are governed by informal nature and erratic employment relations practices. Workplace bargaining, especially collective bargaining is observed to be very weak or non-existent due in SMEs (Edwards, Collinson, &Rocca, 1995). Ascertaining qualitative research method like Focus Group Meeting (FGM) the paper intends to highlight the existent trends and practices concerning workplace bargaining in selected Indian SMEs. The findings highlight how the decline in traditional forms of 'collective strengths' as propagated by Marxism is adding more strength and power to the might of the employers. This trend also indicates the shift towards individualistic approach which violates the very notion of democratic participation at workplace resulting in the dying down of the employee voices. The study very specifically highlights the emerging aspects of employment relations in selected SMEs in India.