Social Networks and New Forms of Collective Action

This is the second of the Wild Side podcasts’ addressing the impact of social networks on employee relations. In this episode, Host Alan Wild looks at non-traditional forms of collective action such as protests and disputes organized not through trade unions, but by employees orchestrating collective voice by leveraging social media tools. It also explores cases where employees have joined together to overturn agreements reached by untrusted trade unions. Are union-free companies immune to protests or strikes? This episode challenges outdated assumptions that haven't stood the test of time.

Key Takeaways: 

• Examples of successful socially-driven protests that affected tech giants Google and Amazon. [1:34]

• Why is socially driven collective action significant? [4:08]

• Employee voice now has multiple channels. [7:07]

• How companies can adapt to the new world of employee voice and employee listening. [11:18]

Resources: 

HR Policy Association

Alan Wild on Linkedin

awild@hrpolicy.org — Request the 2023 HR Policy Survey

HR Policy Upcoming Events