Reconceptualising Employee Voice in Times of Permacrisis: A Theoretical Analysis of the United Kingdom's Employment Relations Landscape

Abstract

This paper synthesises early conceptualizations of employee voice and unionism in the United Kingdom, tracing the evolution of the term ‘voice’ from Albert Hirschman’s original definition to Freeman and Medoff’s focus on union representation. Employing conceptual data analysis, the study reviews theoretical frameworks and literature to explore patterns and insights, emphasizing the UK context while selectively incorporating global perspectives. It reveals that while employee voice remains relevant, it often serves managerial interests or is ignored by management, particularly during periods of permacrisis. The study highlights how modern scholars have reinvented the concept of voice, yet its practical impact remains limited. By analyzing historical and contemporary perspectives, this paper not only maps the trajectory of employee voice but also projects its future in the UK, offering critical reflections on its role in employment relations. The findings underscore the need for renewed attention to employee voice as a tool for meaningful organizational change.