The Operation of Internal Labor Markets

Abstract

Organizations are the dominant feature contemporary society. They are the primary vehicle for accomplishing collective purposes, whether the purpose be to engage in business or other economic activities, to put a man on the moon, or to govern ourselves. The internal activities of organizations also mediate processes of social and career mobility. Employees enter organizations, move to positions of increased reward and status within them, and eventually leave these employment systems. These mobility processes are shaped by a variety of forces, mechanisms, procedures, decisions, and actions that comprise the internal labor markets (ILMs) of organizations. This book has presented an examination of the operations of a specific ILM—the salaried employment system of ForestCo, a large, multiplant manufacturing firm in the forest products industry.