Segmented employment relations: post-socialist managerial capitalism and employment relations in Central and Eastern Europe

Abstract

The paper argues that capitalism in Central and Eastern Europe is segmented into three types, managerial capitalism, entrepreneurial capitalism and international capitalism. Each form of capitalism has its characteristic pattern of employment relations. The paper focuses on managerial capitalism, where managers control a decentralized system, with residual employee collective organization. Trade unions have little workplace representation, but maintain political influence. Managers are increasingly adopting the rhetoric of human resource management, though application is limited. The paper concludes by pinpointing the consequences for employment relations of the region's incorporation into international capitalism.

Keywords:

• Central and Eastern Europe
• post-socialism
• employment relations
• segmented employment relations
• managerial capitalism
• entrepreneurial capitalism
• international capitalism