Decent Work Research Articles

Unveiling Groundwater Potential in Hangu District, Pakistan: A GIS-Driven Bivariate Modeling and Remote Sensing Approach for Achieving SDGs

Sustainable groundwater development stands out as a contemporary concern for growing global populations, particularly in stressed riverine arid and semi-arid regions. This study integrated satellite-based (Sentinel-2, ALOS-DEM, and CHIRPS rainfall) data with ancillary lithology and infrastructure datasets using Weight of Evidence (WoE) and Frequency Ratio (FR) models to delineate Groundwater Potential Zones (GWPZs) in the Hangu District, a hydrologically stressed riverine region in northern Pakistan, to support the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Ten key variables, including elevation, slope, aspect, distance to drainage (DD), rainfall, land use/land cover, Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, lithology, and road proximity, were incorporated into the Geographic information system (GIS) environment. The FR model outperformed the WoE model, achieving success and prediction rates of 89% and 93%, compared to 82% and 86%. The GWPZs-FR model identified 23% (317 km2) as high potential, located in highly fractured pediment fans below 550 m, with gentle slopes (<5 degrees), DD (within 200 m), and high rainfall in areas of natural trees and vegetation on valley terrace deposits. The research findings significantly support multiple SDGs, with estimated achievement potentials of 37.5% for SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), 20% for SDG 13 (Climate Action), 15% for SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth), 12.5% for SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and notable contributions of 10% for SDG 2 and 5% for SDG 3. This approach provides valuable insights for policymakers, offering a framework for managing groundwater resources and advancing sustainable practices in similar hydrologically stressed regions.

Letter to the Editor: Expanding the Discourse on Decent and Precarious Work in Nursing

Letter to the Editor: Expanding the Discourse on Decent and Precarious Work in Nursing

Promoting decent work in supply chains of the agrifood sector of Hass Avocado in Colombia: A Colombian MNE case study

Thanks to the production massification in the world coupled with the increase in global production chains, it is urgent to review from different points of view, perspectives and sectors how supply chains adopt strategies to promote and encourage fair, equitable and decent labour guarantees. this article addresses the case of the MNE Avofruit S.A.S. BIC - Cartama, currently the principal exporter of Hass avocado in Colombia, which promotes through different strategies adopted by its corporate governance, decent work in its supply chain, as well as in that of its allies. To contextualize the reality in the productive sector, an analysis of sources in which there is data related to employment in the Colombian countryside, in addition to interviews with the staff of the company analyzed as a case study who provide information for the documentation and analysis of the case. The findings reveal that this company, being a reference in the sector, is promoting decent work in its supply chain and that of its allies, as well as encouraging fairer guarantees in the Colombian agricultural sector, becoming an example to follow for other products in the agroindustry sector.

Aligning the new work environment with OECD Goal 8: a design case of a global automobile brand from Turkey

Purpose This paper aims to investigate the economic sustainability of new work environments by exploring how interior design strategies can contribute to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)’s Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 8, which focuses on decent work and economic growth. SDG 8 aims to foster sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic development, as well as full and productive employment. Design/methodology/approach The pilot study was conducted at a global automobile brand’s largest facility in Kocaeli/Turkey, where 102 employees participated in stakeholder meetings divided into 18 groups. Additionally, 46 employees were interviewed through focus groups and one-on-one sessions across nine encounters. The collected data were analyzed using deductive thematic analysis, interpreting codes and themes related to spatial politics, timing politics and hybrid working culture in the new work environment. Findings Identified themes include individually focused tasks, virtual collaboration, agile working, socialization and urban interaction. These themes are then traced through the conceptual design proposal developed by the interior design team and discussed in relation to their alignment with SDG 8.2 (diversify, innovate and upgrade for economic productivity), SDG 8.4 (improve resource efficiency in consumption and production) and SDG 8.8 (protect labor rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers). Research limitations/implications These three targets (for inclusivity and innovation, for environmentally sustainable and for employee well-being) were selected for their relevance in shaping the physical work environment. Originality/value The key finding of this paper is the need for a deeper understanding of economic sustainability in interior design and the contribution of SDG 8 targets on the spatial, temporal and cultural dimensions of new work environments. Brands committed to sustainability must adopt new work models and reimagine their work environments to enhance employee satisfaction and performance, through comprehensive user research and design solutions aligned with SDG 8.

PASAR TENAGA KERJA INKLUSIF DAN PEKERJAAN AFIRMATIF UNTUK PENYANDANG DISABILITAS

<p class="abstrak"><em>An inclusive labour market emphasizes equal opportunities and fair treatment for all individuals, including persons with disabilities, with the aim of optimizing the potential of the workforce, increasing innovation, productivity, and economic growth. In Indonesia, inclusive policies have been implemented through various laws and regulations that support the rights of persons with disabilities to obtain decent work. Nonetheless, challenges in the form of discrimination and lack of supporting infrastructure are still significant. Disabled people's organizations (DPOs) play an important role in economic empowerment through skills training and entrepreneurship. This training covers areas such as screen printing, electronics, computers and weaving, as well as social assistance for small businesses. The types of jobs available to people with disabilities include operators, customer service, telemarketing, teachers, and administration. Awareness and effective policies are needed to create a truly inclusive workplace in Indonesia. With sustained commitment from all parties, Indonesia can respect and protect the rights of persons with disabilities, ensure equal and fair access to employment opportunities, and harness their full potential for nation-building.</em></p>

O TRABALHO INFORMAL, A ECONOMIA INFORMAL E OS DEFASIOS ASSOCIADOS À PRECARIZAÇÃO DO TRABALHO

The lack of effective public policies to address the precariousness of informal work has profound consequences, including increased social inequality, economic vulnerability, and the violation of labor rights. This issue is relevant not only from an economic point of view, but also from a legal and social point of view, as it involves the protection of fundamental human rights, such as the right to decent work and social protection. By critically analyzing existing legislation, identifying gaps, and proposing new legislative approaches, the survey can offer valuable insights for the formulation of more effective public policies and for strengthening the legal framework for the protection of informal workers. Additionally, by considering the nuances and complexities of the legal issues involved, research can help develop more sophisticated and relevant legal theories and concepts to address emerging labor market challenges. Although there is a vast academic literature on informal work and the precariousness of work, there is a significant lack of studies that address these issues from an in-depth legal perspective. The proposed research will fill this gap by providing a detailed analysis of the legal issues related to informal work and identifying concrete legal strategies to address the challenges of job insecurity. In this way, it will contribute to the advancement of legal knowledge in this area and to the development of more effective approaches to address the challenges of informal work and precariousness.

Nowhere else in the world? The Korean Safe Rates System in global context

Abstract The Korean ‘Safe Trucking Freight Rates System’ (‘Safe Rates System’) was an important effort to address road safety risks by regulating road transport supply chains. In effect between 2020 and 2022, the system set minimum standards for truck driver pay and placed obligations on road transport supply chain parties to comply with these standards. In this article, we explain how the system developed in response to the deregulation and restructuring of the road freight market in the late 1980s and 1990s. We also trace the influence on the system of regulatory development in Australia and debates at the International Labour Organization (ILO). In 2019, workers, employers, and government representatives at the ILO reached an agreement on the main principles of the Safe Rates regulatory model through the adoption of the Guidelines on the promotion of decent work and road safety in the transport sector. We use these principles to explain and evaluate the Korean system. We also summarise assessments of the system’s impact, arguing that the results of the few studies that exist, justify the continuation of the system. By locating Korean Safe Rates as part of a broader global trend, we respond to opponents’ claims that the system is without international precedent and make the system eligible for a global audience. In so doing, we seek to contribute to the ongoing debate about the reintroduction of Safe Rates in Korea and draw lessons from the Korean experience that may be used in other countries.

Employee engagement, job satisfaction and decent work in the Zimbabwean gold mining sector

Orientation: The mining industry is a high-risk industry with demanding work environment. Often times, it encounters a myriad of problems that include failure to retain top talent due to lack of job satisfaction. Productivity of the mining companies usually decrease due to these problems.Research purpose: The study seeks to investigate the relationship between employee engagement, job satisfaction and decent work considering Kwekwe District as a case study.Motivation for the study: There is limited research conducted on the link between employee engagement, job satisfaction and decent work, particularly in the mining sector.Research approach/design and method: This study is quantitative in nature. Using the Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire, Decent Work Scale and Utrecht Work Engagement Scale, the data used were gathered directly from 253 miners in the gold mining environment. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to assess the relationship between employee engagement, job satisfaction and decent work and to test the structural model.Main findings: The results of SEM show that employee engagement is positively linked to job satisfaction; decent work is positively connected to employee engagement; and decent work positively influences job satisfaction. Further, the study indicates that decent work fully moderates the relationship between employee engagement and job satisfaction.Practical/managerial implications: The constructs of employee engagement, job satisfaction and decent work are significantly related. Human resource interventions are needed to deal with these constructs.Contribution/value-add: This research contributes to the existing body of literature by revealing the relationship between employee engagement, job satisfaction and decent work.

Disentangling the gender-differentiated determinants of home-based self-employment choices in Nigeria

Abstract Understanding gender disparities in home-based self-employment (HBS) and their links to homeownership and socioeconomic factors is crucial for advancing sustainable development goals (SDGs) in Sub-Saharan Africa, especially Nigeria. This study uses data from the 2010/2011, 2012/13, 2015/16, and 2018/19 waves of the Nigerian General Household Survey (GHS). It employs random effect probit regression, the LASSO method for identifying predictors, and the Blinder–Oaxaca decomposition technique to analyse gender differences in nonlinear binary outcomes. The results show that female business owners are more likely to engage in HBS compared to males, highlighting the importance of gender equality (SDG 5) and decent work (SDG 8). While male entrepreneurs are mainly driven by profit, females prioritise balancing paid and unpaid work, reflecting motivations beyond profit within heterodox economics. Significant gender-differentiated impacts are observed in relation to monthly rent, post-secondary education, dwelling space, energy, and regional locations. Notably, the presence of children significantly increases female involvement in HBS, a trend not seen among males. Marriage also influences female participation, suggesting that marital circumstances and economic benefits play a role. These findings highlight the need for policies addressing gender-specific constraints, challenging traditional gender roles, and promoting inclusive human development within the SDG framework.

Job satisfaction and turnover: The role of creativity, engagement, and decent work amongst employees

Orientation: The South African public service faces the challenge of a high labour turnover among its employees. There is a need for strategies to not only keep employees happy at work but also to retain them.Research purpose: The study investigates the determinants of job satisfaction and turnover intention accounting for the role of employee creativity, engagement and decent work.Motivation for the study: There is a need for strategies to not only retain employees within the public service but also to ensure the employees are satisfied with their jobs.Research approach/design and method: A cross-sectional survey was conducted with a convenience sample of 304 employees working within the South African public service in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa. The Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) (version 25) and the Linear Structural Relations (LISREL) software packages were used to analyse data.Main findings: It was established that higher ratings of decent work experience relate positively to employee ratings of engagement in the work and that they also influenced outcomes such as job satisfaction and employee turnover intentions.Practical/managerial implications: The findings are a useful precursor in improving not just the work experience for employees but also work related outcomes such as job satisfaction and turnover intention.Contribution/value-add: The study findings give practical interventions to address the challenge of high turnover and the dearth of job satisfaction among public service employees.

Automated Assessment of Leadership Style and Professional Values of a Top-Manager and its Compliance with SDGS

Objective: the main objective was to use automated text analysis and assess the leadership styles and professional values of top managers, as well as to study how these parameters can influence the achievement of the SDG "Decent work and Economic growth". Theoretical Framework: The work is based on the idea that the leadership style and intelligence of a top manager determine the trajectory of a company’s development, the psychological working climate, the attitude towards employees, and the decision-making mechanism within and outside the team. Method: The authors used automated psychological text analysis using AI-based chatbots (ChatGPT, Gemini, Gigachat) and a specialized psychological text analysis program (LIWC). These methods were compared with psychological content analysis performed by a person. Results and Discussion: The obtained results showed that automated text analysis can be effectively used to understand the personality of the manager and the features of decision-making on his part in relation to employees and the organization. Research Implications: the approach proposed by the authors will allow for the development of measures to increase labor productivity and create decent jobs, taking into account the personality and values of the top manager, and will serve as a basis for the development of creativity and innovation in the company, thereby contributing to the achievement of the SDGs of “Decent Work and Economic Growth”. Originality/Value: the conducted research confirmed our hypothesis that text analysis allows us to understand important personality traits from the standpoint of intelligence, logic, thinking and speech, using artificial intelligence tools.

Determining the effect levels of augmented decent work criteria in sustainable economic development with the fuzzy DEMATEL method

Creating decent work is among the priority issues for sustainable employment and development. This study aimed to determine the effect levels of the International Labour Organization (ILO) decent work criteria by augmenting nine indicators in the ILO manual to 12 criteria through a comprehensive literature review. Fuzzy DEMATEL, a multi-criteria decision-making method, has been preferred in this context. According to the analysis results of the study, the most heavily ranked criteria are ‘healthy workplace environment’, ‘decent working hours’ and ‘safe working conditions’ respectively, which contribute to the decent work concept. Further, ‘balance between work–family–personal life’ has been found the most affected criterion, while ‘education and training system’ has been the most affecting. Based on the findings, remedial and developing strategies are suggested on issues such as corporate culture, working hours regulation, safe working environment, subordinate–superior relations, social activities and regulations that take family life into account.

Decent Work Agenda in Botswana: Strides and Challenges

The Decent Work Agenda (DWA) in Botswana provides a comprehensive framework designed to promote fair labour practices, enhance worker rights, and foster sustainable economic growth. This article analyses the progress achieved in executing the decent work agenda, focusing on enhancements in labour standards, gender equality and inclusion, and capacity building and training. Furthermore, it illustrates the ongoing challenges that delay progress, including elevated unemployment rates, informal employment, and migration and labour rights. The analysis utilises multiple policy recommendations, highlighting the necessity of reinforcing labour rights and protections, advancing skills development, and improving stakeholder involvement in policy formulation. Addressing these challenges and leveraging existing successes will enable Botswana to develop a more inclusive labour market that adheres to the principles of decent work, thereby enhancing the nation's long-term economic sustainability and social equity. The findings highlight the significance of a collaborative approach among government, civil society, and the private sector to effectively implement the decent work agenda, ensuring it yields measurable benefits for all workers in Botswana.

Batik Marunda as Cultural Heritageand Role in Sustainable Development

Batik Marunda is a batik producer in Jakarta that has a role in supporting one of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), such as empowering relocation communities in three flats in the North Jakarta area. The study analyzes how Batik Marunda's role in the cultural preservation program while still contributing to economic empowerment, waste management to batik and batik materials. Methods of research are field studies, interviews with batik producers, the concept of collaboration in three flats and their governance. The findings show that Batik Marunda empowers especially women in the three flats area, through various skills training that has an impact on increasing skills, insights and economic levels for local residents, to waste management to reduce textile waste and support one of the SDG goals, namely responsible production and consumption. The three flats collaboration in the North Jakarta area is expected to strengthen the creative, environmentally friendly economic network and improve the quality of empowerment in the surrounding community. In summary, this research sees the important role of governance integration between cultural preservation programs, community empowerment, innovation and governance to support the SDGs agenda in the aspects of decent work, economic growth, climate change in sustainable development efforts.

Strategic management of employee churn: Leveraging machine learning for sustainable development and competitive advantage in emerging markets

AbstractEmployee churn or attrition presents significant challenges, especially in emerging markets, where it can disrupt business operations and inflate recruitment costs. This research leverages machine learning techniques to predict employee churn, focusing on developing sustainable and inclusive retention strategies that enhance business competitiveness. By analyzing a range of predictive algorithms and key variables associated with churn, the study identifies the most effective models for predicting attrition. A comprehensive exploratory data analysis was conducted using an indigenous machine learning model, offering practical insights for human resource management in emerging markets. The findings align with the sustainable development goals (SDGs), promoting decent work, and economic growth. This study contributes to business strategy by proposing data‐driven solutions for workforce stability and sustainable development.

Embedding the concept of Decent Work in career development learning

In this article we raise questions about the dilemmas and practices of developing 'critical consciousness' in career development practice. We outline theory and policy that has been instrumental in the evolution of a Decent Work informed approach to career learning. Inspired and informed by our own research with students and young people in precarious work, we conclude by showcasing resources we have developed in partnership with the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter team for embedding 'Decent Work' in career development learning.

MODELING TOURIST ARRIVALS IN THE ISLAND GARDEN CITY OF SAMAL: IMPLICATIONS TO BUSINESS OPERATIONS OF TOURISM-RELATED INDUSTRY

<p>This study aimed to model the tourist arrivals in the Island Garden City of Samal (IGaCoS) by utilizing the autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) method. Specifically, this paper sought to determine whether there was a statistically appropriate forecasting model using the ARIMA approach, based on which it would be possible to reasonably forecast the number of tourist arrivals in IGaCoS. Quantitative secondary data were analyzed by employing the Box-Jenkins ARIMA. The time series plot was characterized by an apparent increasing trend combined with intermittent sinusoidal oscillations. The time series revealed a steady, gradual increase up until 2020. Next, a sharp decline was observed midway through 2020, indicative of the ill effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. A gradual increase was noted once more, starting in 2021, with some fluctuations. The Augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test revealed that the time series was non-stationary at level— but was made stationary after differenced twice. The ARIMA (1,2,1) model was found to be statistically significant. The fitted model initially showed some notable deviations from the original data, but, with time, converged closely to the actual values, proving it is a reliable way to represent underlying patterns. The ARIMA (1,2,1) model, selected for having the lowest AIC and BIC values and a MAPE within the acceptable range for reasonable forecasting, was used to predict tourist arrivals in IGaCoS over the next six months. The forecasted values suggested a mix of fluctuations and stability. There was a noticeable upward trajectory at the beginning, which was followed by a slight decline at the end that yet remained stable. The forecasted results from the ARIMA (1,2,1) model may provide businesses with a roadmap for comprehensive planning in terms of operational and strategic concerns. This study helped address Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) No. 8, Decent Work and Economic Growth.</p><p><strong>JEL:</strong> L83, R11, C53</p><p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/soc/0776/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Migration, human capital, and decent work: Venezuelans in Peru

Migration, human capital, and decent work: Venezuelans in Peru

Regional SDG Performance in Bulgaria and Romania: Poverty, Education, and Decent Work

Regional SDG Performance in Bulgaria and Romania: Poverty, Education, and Decent Work

Collaborating for change: The importance of multi-sector partnerships in addressing poverty and inequality through decent work

Work has stopped being a means to eradicating poverty; More than half of those living in poverty come from a household with at least one working adult. In-work poverty is multifaceted and has experiences across both work and non-work lives, and leads to profound consequences for individuals, their families, and society as a whole. It also has important spillover implications for organisations and managers, diverting their attention and creating rising costs. In this paper we outline the important role for organisations to address poverty, through building a case for decent work. We outline a collaborative multi-sector approach based on partnerships with six key stakeholders whose engagement and collaboration increase awareness and understanding about work and how it can be improved for workers, their families and society as a whole. This work with City of Edinburgh Council, in Scotland, combines processes of open dialogue, knowledge-generation, and dissemination between the stakeholders focusing on creating a fairer world, where people’s experiences are prioritised over economic imperatives, and where human flourishing can occur in tandem with ecological flourishing.