ABSTRACT
There has been a long tradition of interest by industrial relations, and later employment relations, scholars in history. This chapter examines what we mean by ‘history’ and aims to indicate why historical methods are important for academics researching ER. It looks at the early links between history and ER and concludes with a review of the extent of historical research being undertaken by ER scholars. The chapter highlights the growth of quantitative historical research, particularly in the US where the influence of labour economists and growing availability of historical databases encourage this form of research. Quantitative historical research has limitations in that it restricts researchers to the measurable and does not illuminate the processes by which change occurs. Qualitative historical research persists in ER in Australia, particularly with the continued influence of labour history there, and can be found in historical journals such as Labor History. Business history and management history also provide another potential area of further publication for qualitative historical studies in industrial relations, with the recognition of the need to link business history to the world of work.
