Capitalism or Culture? A Comparative Analysis of the Position in the Labour Process and Labour Market of Lower White-Collar Workers in the Financial Services Sector of Britain and the Federal Republic of Germany

Abstract

This paper explores the impact of organizational/technological change on the position in the labour process and labour market of lower white-collar workers in the Financial Services sector of Britain and the Federal Republic of Germany. Differences in their position are explained by reference both to the `labour process' debate and to the notion of national cultural distinctions between the two societies. Particular emphasis is given to the system of vocational education and training and the way it shapes values and attitudes of both employers and workers. Different attitudes to skill among British and German employers are then linked to managerial strategies on labour utilization in relation to changing product markets.