The labor relations system in the United States attempts to serve the goals of management, labor unions, and society at large. Management is interested in controlling its labor costs, maintaining its freedom of action, and increasing productivity. These goals may lead them to vigorously oppose union representation for its employees. Labor unions attempt to give their members an independent means of ensuring that their interests at work are protected and to ensure that the terms and conditions of work are as favorable as possible to workers. To do this most effectively, they try to maximize their bargaining effectiveness. Society has an interest in peaceful relations between employers and employees because it makes for a more stable society. Encouraging and regulating the labormanagement environment is seen as promoting that goal.

This activity is important because HRM professionals must be able to recognize and take into account the labor relations objectives of management, labor unions, and society.

The goal of this activity is to determine whether each example is a goal of management, labor unions, or society.

Roll over each item to reveal its description. Drag each item into the correct column on the chart. There should be four items in each column.