Public Sector Employment Relations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Public Sector Employment Relations - Essay Example In this context, the role of government and its position in the public sector is a crucial aspect to account for. On the same note, the fact that the government employs the public service introduces employment relations to be accounted for in that sector. Employee-employer relationship is captured in employment relations concepts. This is basically an account of the employee and employer interactions, to further account for productivity in service delivery. The public sector provides both public goods and services (Ashworth and Entwistle, 2010, p.109). The government, whether local or central, acts as the employer in public service. Every employed individual is accountable to the state. Public sector employment relations therefore capture the interactions between the government and its employees in the public service field (Ashworth and Entwistle, 2010, p.113). Over and above capturing productivity of employee through functional relationships with their employers, the concept of empl oyment relations also encompass the morale and motivation of employees in their working environment and beyond. Generally, employment relations are fundamental in a number of ways. The interaction of employees with their employers boosts their cooperation, improving the underlying working environment. Effectiveness and efficiency of product and service delivery is realized in that process. Unnecessary conflicts are also avoided, enhancing information flow and discharge of duties and responsibilities by both employees and employers. Decision making in that context cannot be ignored. Employee relations seek to incorporate the participation of employees in organizational decision making. On the same note, employees can keep track of decisions made that pertain to matters affecting them from time to time. Public servants are managed by the public sector, primarily the government. The relationship between the public servants and their employer is a complex one, and dynamic in nature. It encompasses multidimensional factors that include but not limited to social, economic, political, ethical, psychological and legal factors (Julius, 2008, p.73). Social, economic, political and technological advancements are creating diverse needs for the society, consequently requiring that the public sector be more accountable. Resource allocation is central to this pursuit, but there never seems to be enough resources that adequately address the needs of the society. Social welfare is on the same note calling for higher qualities and standards, pressuring the government even further. This has influenced the public sector, public service and the private sector in a number of ways, all of which converge to employment concerns. The public sector creates a critical employment pool, rendering functional all its firms, agencies, corporates and parastatal entities. The private sector on the other hand accounts for significant employment opportunities in the nation and beyond. Firms and o rganizations that are privately run complement the public sector in accounting for social welfare in the country. Employment operations in the two sectors have open distinctions, and so are the underlying employment relations. In the public sector, the government acts as the central employer of the public servants. These public servants make up the public service that further accounts for public goods and services delivery to the entire public population. The private sect