Overview of the Host Business Systems

This chapter establishes the distinctive characteristics of the four host business systems: the UK, Germany, Ireland, and Spain. After providing an overview of the role of foreign, particularly US, multinationals within each of the four economies, it establishes the key aspects of the industrial relations systems in each case, particularly those that contrast with the American system. Building on this, the chapter provides an analysis of the extent to which each of the countries are likely to be 'receptive' to the introduction of American-style employment practices.