Multi-National and Domestic Fast Food Operators: Similarities and Differences in Employment Practices in Australia

Abstract

The issue of conformance or divergence of human resource management and industrial relations practices and institutions between countries has been an enduring theme in employment relations research. In recent years, the role of multi-national corporations (MNCs) as a force for convergence of employment practices between countries has been a major focus of research interest. In this paper we conduct a comparative analysis of employment relations practices between multi-national and domestic corporations in the fast food sector of Australia. Using data from a survey of employee perceptions of HRM and IR practices in the fast food industry, we find there few major differences between employee perceptions and experiences in MNC and domestic fast food operations. We conclude that there is both a convergence and divergence occurring with MNCs adapting to local industrial relations arrangement and local employers emulating MNC production and HRM practices.