This article presents a theoretical model in order to understand and explain forms of crossborder interest representation by European Works Councils. It argues that both their structures and activities and their outcomes can be explained by drawing on four theoretical rationales: the structures and coordination patterns of the company concerned, cultural-institutional factors linked to the 'country-of-origin effect', historical trajectories and actors' strategies. This argument is supported by empirical data from case study research in three automotive assembly companies.

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Standard-Nutzungsbedingungen:Die Dokumente auf EconStor dürfen zu eigenen wissenschaftlichen Zwecken und zum Privatgebrauch gespeichert und kopiert werden.Sie dürfen die Dokumente nicht für öffentliche oder kommerzielle Zwecke vervielfältigen, öffentlich ausstellen, öffentlich zugänglich machen, vertreiben oder anderweitig nutzen.Sofern die Verfasser die Dokumente unter Open-Content-Lizenzen (insbesondere CC-Lizenzen) zur Verfügung gestellt haben sollten, gelten abweichend von diesen Nutzungsbedingungen die in der dort genannten Lizenz gewährten Nutzungsrechte. Terms of use: Documents in EconStor may Luitpold RampeltshammerUniversität des Saarlandes, Germany Markus HertwigTechnische Universität Chemnitz, Germany AbstractThe article compares changes in the European Works Councils (EWCs) at Ford and General Motors Europe during the financial and economic crisis. Previously, both were highly active and effective. Although both otherwise displayed quite different characteristics before the crisis, their reactions were quite similar. At both companies, competition and mistrust among representatives increased, resulting in a decline of integration and effectiveness. We explore the importance of personal relations as preconditions for stability and effectiveness in EWCs.

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