A Comparative Study of Trade Union Influence over HRM Practices in Spanish and Brazilian Firms: The Role of Industrial Relations Systems and Their Historical Evolution

Abstract

Abstract This study explores trade union influence over human resource management (HRM) practices in Spanish and Brazilian organizations using the Cranet 2014 dataset. While some of the existing data suggest that trade unions may hold little power within surveyed organizations, we offer additional evidence contradicting this. Trade unions’ influence is better understood when taking into account the industrial relations systems of Spain and Brazil, as well as their historical evolution. Understanding such evolution helps us account for similarities and differences observed in the way trade unions influence HRM in these two countries.