Transnational Companies

What is the main assumption about the future of industrial relations in the context of globalization?

• Global players are not able to avoid national standards of regulation

• Global economic change will strengthen national standards of regulation

• National systems of labour relations are becoming more effective

• National systems of labour relations have lost their importance

Answer explanation

National systems of labour relations have lost their importance due to the impact of globalization on industrial relations.

According to the text, what is the view on the German model of industrial relations in the face of increased transnational economic activity?

• It will become the global standard

• It may lose importance and effectiveness

• It will be strengthened by global economic change

• It will remain stable and unaffected

Answer explanation

The correct choice is that the German model of industrial relations may lose importance and effectiveness in the face of increased transnational economic activity, as stated in the text.

What is the main argument presented in the text regarding the future of industrial relations in a transnational context?

• Transnational companies will always prioritize profit over labour standards

• Transnationalization reduces the competence of labour representation to zero

• Actors have no influence on global developments

• Actors can create new regulatory institutions and bargaining mechanisms

Answer explanation

Actors can create new regulatory institutions and bargaining mechanisms

Which industry is used as an example to discuss different strategies for dealing with industrial relations in the text?

• Automobile industry

• Food industry

• Aerospace industry

• Textile industry

Answer explanation

The automobile industry is used as an example to discuss different strategies for dealing with industrial relations in the text, making it the correct choice.

What is the primary aim of the European Works Council as mentioned in the text?

• Increase the number of working hours for employees

• Reduce the influence of labour representation

• Promote competition between different plant locations

• Limit and control the practice of competitive underbidding

Answer explanation

The primary aim of the European Works Council is to limit and control the practice of competitive underbidding, as mentioned in the text.

How did the German works council respond to the central management decision to conduct a Europe-wide benchmarking process?

• Resigned from their positions

• Ignored the decision completely

• Accepted the decision without question

• Appealed to the industrial tribunal

Answer explanation

The German works council responded to the central management decision by appealing to the industrial tribunal, showing their disagreement with the Europe-wide benchmarking process.

What was the outcome of the merger between Daimler-Benz and Chrysler in terms of employee representation?

• Initial commitments were made but further clarification was needed

• Employee representation was completely eliminated

• Employee representatives gained full control over management decisions

• The merger had no impact on employee representation

Answer explanation

Initial commitments were made but further clarification was needed

What is the current status of the establishment of a globally coordinated system of employee representation at Daimler-Chrysler?

• Rejected by American and Canadian unions

• In progress with the formation of an international workshop

• Completed successfully without any issues

• Not considered a priority by the management

Answer explanation

In progress with the formation of an international workshop

What percentage of BMW's workforce was located in foreign countries at the end of the 1990s?

• 42%

• 75%

• 60%

• 25%

Answer explanation

The correct percentage of BMW's workforce located in foreign countries at the end of the 1990s was 42%, which matches the provided answer choice.

Who described BMW's transformation from a 'medium-sized enterprise in Upper Bavaria to a global concern'?

• BMW's CEO

• Manager-Magazin

• Von Kuenheim

• German employee representatives

Answer explanation

Von Kuenheim described BMW's transformation from a 'medium-sized enterprise in Upper Bavaria to a global concern', making it the correct choice.