Revolution at work? Employee buy-outs in a stakeholder society

Lincoln, Andrew John (1999) Revolution at work? Employee buy-outs in a stakeholder society. University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.

Abstract

This thesis adopts a geographical perspective to analyse the development of employee ownership in Britain and North America. In particular, the thesis explores the role that employee ownership could play in reforming the existing priorities of "shareholder" capitalism. The research also contributes to the emerging study of labour geography through developing a new focus on issues of ownership, finance and investment.

While employee ownership has rapidly advanced across North America, developments are shown to be relatively limited in the context of British capitalism. The thesis examines the reasons behind these international differences, contrasting national regulatory frameworks, financial resources, institutional support and trade union attitudes to employee ownership.

Attention also focuses on how employee ownership works in practice. Drawing on original qualitative research, the thesis demonstrates that the gains from ownership are likely to greatest when accompanied by participatory governance structures that involve workers in decision making. Highlighting how employee ownership remains worthy of encouragement in the UK, the research suggests there is scope for learning from North American experiences.

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