A critical assessment of the theoretical and empirical research on German works councils

The article reviews the existing English- and German-speaking literature on the German works council. Three major research topics are discussed: the ontology and typologies of works councils; their current practice and transformation; and their economic outcomes. Although much research has been conducted on the internal functioning of the works council-management relationship, it is clear that we still know, little about the determinants Of different workplace relations and their outcomes. The article concludes by advocating a reviving research interest in the link between code termination and political democracy.