Despite the fact that the number of members in employers' associations has been steadily declining for decades, numerous studies and initiatives have reignited attention on employer representation. Italian literature has largely focused its analysis on collective bargaining, using the Confindustria model as a predominant paradigm. However, recent research has encouraged the study of ongoing trends in its organizational forms in terms of structure, identity, and functions. In recent years, several sociological (Pedersini, 2010) and management (Feltrin & Zan, 2014) studies have highlighted the renewed importance of these associations in local development processes, showing that they have become particularly influential in shaping urban agendas and local policies. This renewed focus on these institutions can be attributed to several factors. On one hand, the system of employer interest representation in Italy has been undergoing significant changes for years, driven by profound transformations in production, technology, organization, and markets. These shifts have influenced both business interests and their willingness to join representative associations, while also impacting the organizational and functional choices of the associations themselves. On the other hand, alongside the traditional union-related tasks that led to their formation in the early 20th century, these associations have increasingly taken on a role in providing high-value-added services to their member businesses. These services cover a wide range of topics that companies must address, including taxation, finance, labor markets, environmental regulations, safety, urban planning, internationalization, training, research, and more. This gradual expansion of functions has had significant cultural, organizational, and managerial consequences, pushing these associations to transform into entities capable of both representing their members in various relational contexts and offering a broad range of services comparable in quality to those provided by modern service companies operating in the market. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic played a decisive role in rediscovering the opportunities offered by intermediary bodies. During this unprecedented period, these organizations were able to provide clear and effective responses, gradually reclaiming their socio-political function as well as their practical role in delivering sector-specific services. This, in turn, strengthened their authority and social legitimacy. This research aims to contribute to the ongoing debate by analyzing the evolving role of employers' associations, with a particular focus on business associations representing the craft sector. The objective is to advance theoretical and empirical understanding of the contribution of the craft industry, as represented by trade associations, in either promoting or hindering the economic, social, and territorial development prospects of the communities involved. Through an in-depth examination of six case studies in Venice, this study seeks to understand the mechanisms through which collective action by organizations representing micro and small craft enterprises can influence local socio-economic dynamics. Specifically, it explores their role in shaping urban governance and driving innovation and digital transition processes within the businesses they represent.
Le associazioni di categoria in Italia: ruolo e funzioni
Roberto Paladini
2024-01-01
Abstract
Despite the fact that the number of members in employers' associations has been steadily declining for decades, numerous studies and initiatives have reignited attention on employer representation. Italian literature has largely focused its analysis on collective bargaining, using the Confindustria model as a predominant paradigm. However, recent research has encouraged the study of ongoing trends in its organizational forms in terms of structure, identity, and functions. In recent years, several sociological (Pedersini, 2010) and management (Feltrin & Zan, 2014) studies have highlighted the renewed importance of these associations in local development processes, showing that they have become particularly influential in shaping urban agendas and local policies. This renewed focus on these institutions can be attributed to several factors. On one hand, the system of employer interest representation in Italy has been undergoing significant changes for years, driven by profound transformations in production, technology, organization, and markets. These shifts have influenced both business interests and their willingness to join representative associations, while also impacting the organizational and functional choices of the associations themselves. On the other hand, alongside the traditional union-related tasks that led to their formation in the early 20th century, these associations have increasingly taken on a role in providing high-value-added services to their member businesses. These services cover a wide range of topics that companies must address, including taxation, finance, labor markets, environmental regulations, safety, urban planning, internationalization, training, research, and more. This gradual expansion of functions has had significant cultural, organizational, and managerial consequences, pushing these associations to transform into entities capable of both representing their members in various relational contexts and offering a broad range of services comparable in quality to those provided by modern service companies operating in the market. The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic played a decisive role in rediscovering the opportunities offered by intermediary bodies. During this unprecedented period, these organizations were able to provide clear and effective responses, gradually reclaiming their socio-political function as well as their practical role in delivering sector-specific services. This, in turn, strengthened their authority and social legitimacy. This research aims to contribute to the ongoing debate by analyzing the evolving role of employers' associations, with a particular focus on business associations representing the craft sector. The objective is to advance theoretical and empirical understanding of the contribution of the craft industry, as represented by trade associations, in either promoting or hindering the economic, social, and territorial development prospects of the communities involved. Through an in-depth examination of six case studies in Venice, this study seeks to understand the mechanisms through which collective action by organizations representing micro and small craft enterprises can influence local socio-economic dynamics. Specifically, it explores their role in shaping urban governance and driving innovation and digital transition processes within the businesses they represent.
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