Do Institutions Matter? Convergence and National Diversity in the Restructuring of Employment in British and Danish Banking

Abstract

This article examines changing employment relations in British and Danish banking. The analytical focus is the relative balance of convergent and divergent tendencies when nationally distinct institutional systems are subject to similar economic and technological pressures. Using statistical and documentary data in addition to interviews with management and trade union representatives, the author concludes that there is considerable evidence of convergence, but that the trend towards greater managerial discretion provides scope for continuing national differentiation.