Public Administration Milieu and the Theory Linked to Public Sector Unions: A Narrative on Employment Relations

Abstract

One of the main principles which public administration addresses is state (government) relations and their effect on administration, politics and social institutions; hence, public administration may in effect be regarded as the governing system. Based on this level of understating, public administration has a major influence on the structures of public organisations, management of public services and management techniques of governance. On this note, public sector unions or trade unions as labour organisations representing workers, some of whom are public servants, have a role to play in operations of institutions applying principles of governance. It is for this reason that public administration is significant and relevant in employment relations and administration. It focuses on effective and efficient management as well as governance of organisations. Trade unions operate as one of the three role players in employment relations. The stance of working relations amongst the three role players, i.e. the state, employers and employees' organisations are influenced by theoretical perspectives in the public and private sector. This article seeks to address some theoretical perspectives in a unionised public sector environment and provide a narrative on the existence of trade unionism.