How and to what extend do labour systems in general, and wage-setting mechanisms in particular, differ amongst the three biggest economies of the world, namely Japan, Germany, and the United States? Does the trend towards increasing trade liberation lead to pressure to harmonise different wage-setting systems? If so, what is the evidence for convergence?1 What impact could this have on the future of the labour systems of the so-called less flexible countries?
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- 1 Introduction
- 2 The Japanese System of Wage-Setting
- 3 The German System of Wage-Setting
- 4 The US System of Wage-Setting
- 5 Towards Convergence?
- 5.1 Pressures Towards Convergence
- 5.2 Evidence of Convergence - Rigid vs. Flexible Systems
- 5.2.1 General Arguments, Trends and Evidence for Convergence
- 5.2.2 General Arguments, Trends and Evidence Against Convergence
- 5.2.3 Convergence Between Japan & The US
- 5.2.4 Convergence Between Germany & The US
- 6 Conclusion and Concluding Remarks
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This paper aims to examine the differences in labor systems and wage-setting mechanisms between Japan, Germany, and the United States. It explores the potential impact of increasing trade liberalization on the harmonization of these systems and investigates evidence for convergence. The paper also considers the implications of such convergence for the future of labor systems in less flexible countries.
- Comparison of labor systems and wage-setting mechanisms in Japan, Germany, and the US
- The influence of trade liberalization on the harmonization of wage-setting systems
- Evidence for and against convergence in wage-setting systems
- Implications of convergence for the future of labor systems in less flexible countries
- The role of trade unions in institutionalized convergence
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
- Chapter 1: Introduction Introduces the paper's objectives and research questions, focusing on the differences in labor systems and wage-setting mechanisms among Japan, Germany, and the United States. It also explores the potential impact of trade liberalization on these systems and investigates the evidence for convergence.
- Chapter 2: The Japanese System of Wage-Setting Explores the traditional Japanese HR model, characterized by the Life-long Employment System (LES) and Seniority-based Wage System (SWS). The chapter examines how these policies contribute to industrial peace in Japan and analyzes their historical development.
- Chapter 3: The German System of Wage-Setting Discusses the German system of wage-setting, highlighting its key features and how they differ from the Japanese model. It examines the role of trade unions and collective bargaining in shaping German wage-setting practices.
- Chapter 4: The US System of Wage-Setting Examines the US system of wage-setting, emphasizing its market-driven approach and the role of individual negotiation in wage determination. The chapter explores the differences between the US system and those of Japan and Germany.
- Chapter 5: Towards Convergence? Explores the concept of convergence in wage-setting systems, analyzing the pressures pushing towards convergence and the evidence supporting or opposing this trend. It specifically examines convergence between Japan and the US, and between Germany and the US.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
This paper focuses on the key concepts of labor systems, wage-setting mechanisms, trade liberalization, convergence, and divergence. It examines these concepts within the context of Japan, Germany, and the United States, highlighting the role of institutions, trade unions, and individual negotiation in shaping these systems. The paper explores the impact of globalization on the harmonization of wage-setting systems and investigates the evidence for and against convergence.
- Quote paper
- Ben Beiske (Author), 2002, The System of Wage-Setting Japan, Germany and the US: Towards Convergence?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/15459
