Critically Evaluate if the absence of overt conflict in the workplace, in particular, and society in general indicates ''good employee relations'' 1. First of all need to define what is employee relations – can it exist, look at macro/micro environment what is going on. Pick theories here ie Mullins. Also is there such a thing as good employee relations? 2. Next What is going on in Society/ a small bit of history and statistics and where we are now? Ie. As there is less strikes does this mean little conflict? 3. Define overt conflict and covert conflict – then talk about why each is good or bad 4. talk about unitarist organisation and pluralist organisations. For example in a pluralist organisation is there overt or covert conflict – is this good or bad?. Also in a unitarist organisation is overt conflict seen as good or bad?Overt conflict in unitary organisation would be negative so a low amount would prob signify good ER. Also discuss radicalist. 5. I then need to agree or disagree whether absence overt conflict in organisation is good – back up with theories from HRM. I would like to go with stance that I disagree – needs to be reasoning. With regards to conflict i need to discuss if conflict is invetible inthe pay work bargain. I need to also look at key players i.e worker, ees and unions For theories need to use Fox 1996/Farnham/Sisson/Purcell