Organizational Innovations, Human Resources and Industrial Relations. An Enquire on the Food Sector in Emilia-Romagna

The article studies the linkages between industrial relations, organizational innovation and economic performance for the firms of the Emilia-Romagna food-industry. The aim is the investigation of: (i) interactions between union delegates and top management; (ii) adoption of organizational and HRM practices; (iii) linkages between industrial relations, innovations, and firm performance. The analysis suggests a role played by industrial relations in stimulating organizational changes. Industrial relations are also important for firm performances: the linkage proves to be mediated by positive effects of informative, consultative and bargaining practices on organizational changes. The analysis shows a “virtuous circle” between performance and organizational innovations, for firms with good industrial relations.