In and Out of Control

Olof Reichenberg

doi:10.1163/15691330-12341536

Abstract

Abstract The present study aimed to predict job control (i.e., task discretion) based on class and occupation with skill use as a (hypothesized) mechanism in four Western European countries by using the OECD adult skill survey (PIAAC). The countries were Denmark, Belgium, Italy, and the United Kingdom (UK). The study used a Bayesian approach that included multilevel models combined with measurement models. The study uses the international standard classification of occupations with two digits (clustering variable) as well as the European socioeconomic classification (ESeC) measured with three social classes. The results indicate that greater worker technical skills (computer use) and social skills (e.g., negotiate and influence) predict higher levels of job control. Social classes interact with skills to predict job control (except Belgium). Occupational computer skills predict job control (in Belgium and Italy). In conclusion, the study supports predictions by neo-Durkheimians, neo-Weberians, New Structuralists, and relational approaches to inequality.

Highlights

Workers’ control over their tasks at work constitutes an indicator of a good job (Kalleberg, 2011; Gallie, 2012)
I report the predictive analysis with a multilevel model without interactions
I continue with the predictive analysis with a multilevel model with interactions

Summary

Introduction

Workers’ control over their tasks at work constitutes an indicator of a good job (Kalleberg, 2011; Gallie, 2012). Job control (i.e., task discretion) correlates with high job and life satisfaction (Lopes et al, 2014; Drobnič et al, 2010). Greater job control reduces workers’ psychological demands and stress. Workers who exercise greater job control turn chores into meaningful accomplishments. Reduced job control turns good jobs into bad jobs (Gallie, 2012) because the decreases in job control decrease workers’ health and job satisfaction. Improving the workplace increases workers’ control and improves job satisfaction (Lopes et al, 2014; Drobnič et al, 2010). The determinants and consequences of job control have been studied, researchers still do not understand its mechanisms (processes).

Methods

Results

Conclusion