The structure composed of management and non-management for effective information consultation is a Works council. It differs from labor unions, which engage in collective bargaining and negotiations for better working conditions and compensations. Modern workplace practices have evolved towards team-based and flat organizational structures.
The formal structure composed of management and non-management employees responsible for consultation and the effective flow of information is known as a Works council. Works councils aim to facilitate dialogue between workers and management, ensuring that employees have a voice in matters affecting their work environment. In contrast, traditional labor unions, such as the American Federation of Labor-Congress of Industrial Organization (AFL-CIO), focus on collective bargaining to negotiate wages, benefits, and working conditions for their members. The procedures for forming labor unions differ between countries, with Canadian policies being more conducive to union formation compared to those in the United States.
Modern organizational structures have seen a shift from hierarchical arrangements towards a more team-oriented approach. This change is part of a broader movement to include a diverse range of skills and experiences in the decision-making process, often enabling direct solicitation of feedback from all levels within an organization. This organizational evolution has diminished the strict barriers between management tiers and encourages a collegial relationship among employees and managers.