Answer to Question #311769 in Management for Shimran

Question

Discuss the advantages and disadvantage of the ‘Pluralist theory’ and Marxist theory of employment relations to the State? Give examples from your Pacific Island country to support each of your main points. (500 words) (5 marks)

Answer 1

Pluralism theory is well-known as a theoretical tradition used to analyze political actions in modern democratic states. This theory is mainly based upon a perspective that citizens are involved in political arenas through different interest groups, and that political power should be dispersed to secure its own legitimate interests and none of these groups will dominate the system (Miller, 1983: 735). This article will examine both the strengths and weakness of pluralism theory. Theoretically it would have some advantages and disadvantages:

1. The majority of decisions (political, economical or any other) would be made in a form of consensus among groups in society, which could potentially be the most beneficial decision.

2. In some specific cases where the time factor is the most relevant pluralistic approach may lead to late decision making. E.g. if the country is facing an internal or external enemy the decision should be made as quick as possible.

Marx develops two alternative theories of the employment contract: one treats it as an agreement of commodity exchange, and one as a relational arrangement. In the former theory Marx introduces the notion of 'labor power' as a physical stock of labor capacity. This concept claims that institutions can be better employers if they are run as a state organization. Here are its advantages and disadvantages;

advantages

1. It tends to create a system of true equality.

2. It offers benefits to the society.

3. It helps with capitalism.

4. It reduces the tendency of debt.

disadvantages

1. It tries to abolish religion.

2. It negatively affects the educational system.

3. It does not value the concept of private ownership.

5. It can lead to communism.