Unitarism Vs Pluralism

Unitarism
 

Unitary view is that the management consider themselves as the only directing authority (Armstrong, 2006), unitarist wants the organizations as a one system which follows one strict set of rules to achieve the objectives of the organization. In addition, unitarists feel trade unions are outside forces (Waiganjo & Nge’the, 2012), which disturbs the unified functions of the entity. So when there is an arise of any constructive teams or unions, they will use their authority to diminish its function.

Benefits of unitary view

Quick decision making (Ayres, n.d.), because there is only one directing authority, which can even be the owner of the organization, there will less time to process a management decision.

Cost effective (Ayres, n.d.), it is cost effective because there will not be too many managers, mostly few managers will direct entire workforce.

There will be sense of unity (Ayres, n.d.), when a single directing authority directs the whole workforce, there will be unity among the teams.

Pluralism

Pluralist view emphasises that there are parties that has separate interests and objectives even though they are pursuing a common vision (Armstrong, 2006) and the pluralists believe that there should be the contentment and the commitments of different teams to achieve the goals and objectives of the organization. In addition, the pluralists value each other’s interests such as the organization and the workforce.

“Pluralism conventionally regards the workforce as being represented by ‘an opposition that does not seek to govern’” (Clegg, 1976).

Benefits of pluralist view 

Unity in diversity (Rohman, 2014), there will be acceptance for diversity and everyone’s interests, this will reduce conflict conditions and will create peace among groups. All departments will be given equal rights and opportunities.

Encourages all groups to learn and improve (Rohman, 2014), enables groups to compete with each other based on their interests, which will eventually bring more creativity and productivity to the organization and in the current world, creativity is must for any organizations to survive.

More tolerance and agreeableness (Patwardhan, 2018), in a pluralist culture people tend to tolerate more by understanding everyone’s point of view.

References

Armstrong, M., 2006. A Handbook of Human Resource Management Practice. 10th ed. London: Kogan Page.

Ayres, C., n.d. 12 Unitary System Pros and Cons. [Online]
Available at: https://vittana.org/12-unitary-system-pros-and-cons
[Accessed 7 June 2019].

Patwardhan, A., 2018. What is a Pluralistic Society and What are Its Pros and Cons?. [Online]
Available at: https://sciencestruck.com/what-is-pluralistic-society
[Accessed 10 June 2019].

Rohman, A., 2014. The Strengths and Weakness of Pluralism Theory. SSRN Electronic Journal.

Waiganjo, E. W. & Nge’the, J. M., 2012. A Critical Evaluation of the Applicability of Unitarism Perspective in Contemporary Employment Relations. DBA Africa Management Review, 2(3), pp. 55-68. 

Clegg, H (1976) The System of Industrial Relations in Great Britain, Blackwell, Oxford

Clutterbuck, D (2004) Everyone Needs a Mentor, CIPD, London