Directorate of distance education master of business administration

Approaches to Industrial Relations
 
Though there are different approaches to industrial relations, 
the basics of management of good relations remain the same across all 
the approaches. These different approaches help in viewing industrial 
relations from different perspectives. The different approaches to 
industrial relations are:
 
ӹ Psychological approach
 
ӹ Sociological approach
 
ӹ Human relations approach
 
ӹ Socio-ethical approach
 
ӹ Gandhian approach
 
ӹ Systems approach
Psychological Approach
 
According to this approach, most of the problems in industrial 
relations arise because of the differing perceptions and attitude of the 
management and the workers. The perception of both parties (workers 
and managers) regarding a particular aspect varies and as a result, some 
minute issues aggravate into major problems. The different personalities 
and strained inter-group and interpersonal relationships add fuel to the 
fire and increase the disharmony in the system.
Sociological Approach
 
This approach considers the industry as a social system. The work 
behavior of individuals is closely influenced by social factors that impact 
an individual’s life in society. These differences among individuals, 
a result of their social upbringing and association, create conflict and 
competition among the members of an industrial society.
Human Relations Approach
 
This approach holds that the handling of human resources is 
different from handling material, physical or financial resources. It lays 
emphasis on the human aspect and the way human feelings influence the 
work relations and behaviour of employees in the organization.

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Socio-Ethical Approach
 
This approach states that industrial relations apart from having 
sociological ramifications, also has an ethical base. Hence the workers 
and the management should work in mutual cooperation and realize 
their moral responsibility towards the organizational objectives. 
Understanding each other’s problems and constraints can help in 
resolving conflicts peacefully.
Gandhian Approach
 
According to this approach, industrial problems should be solved 
peacefully using non-violent methods. In the same way, problems in the 
industry should be solved through satyagrahas and non-violence rather 
than resorting to violent deeds and crimes.
Systems Approach
 
The basic elements of the system approach are the participants, 
environmental forces and the output. There are three aspects 
major participants namely, the workers, the management and their 
representatives. The interaction between these three results in significant 
strata that are referred to a subsystem of an industrial relations system.