Formal and Informal Dispute Resolution in Cooperative and Hierarchical Work Sites

Abstract

The complex relationship between power and workplace grievance behavior is an important subject for industrial relations scholars. Previously, however, researchers have relied almost exclusively on observations of traditional, hierarchical organizations—even when making broad statements about the fundamental character of workplace disputing. This project moves beyond this conventional wisdom, to consider the question of how power and workplace disputing interact in the absence of formal hierarchy. At a theoretical level, this project is important because it helps to disentangle the impacts of hierarchy and power, whereas at a more applied level it provides insights into the feasibility of a key plank in many progressive platforms.