Power dynamics in work and employment relationships: the capacity for employee influence

As the forms of work and employment relationships continue to change and develop, important questions arise not only about what we mean by good-quality work, but also what are the dimensions shaping work and employment relationships. There is an argument that the balance of power has been shifting towards employers and away from workers, posing important questions around the forces driving change and what channels employees have to influence their working lives The report reviews academic and grey research evidence to establish an authoritative account of the shifting power dynamics within the employment relationship (ER); that is, the capacity for employees to leverage influence about the terms of their employment relationship. Our prime focus is on the channels, structures, systems and processes shaping employee influence. The key drivers are identified around seven dimensions and the review considers the implications for employee influence.