Variances in social partnership: Towards a sustainable model?

This paper provides a critical appraisal of existing models of social partnership. We argue that single forms of partnership operating at the micro-level are unlikely to be sustainable in the medium and long term. Yet, there is evidence that multi-layered forms of partnership - in other words, a set of complementary partnership deals operating at a range of levels from workplace to the commanding heights of an economy - may provide the most desirable way forward. Such forms of partnership - combining partnership at the workplace with similar rapproachments at community and commanding heights - may allow for more effective use of human potential within firms, and enhance trust relations within the wider community and polity.