Work In Global Society Exam Guide Sem 2 2019

Work In Global Society Exam Guide Sem 2 2019the Exam Is Worth 40 Pe

Work in Global Society Exam Guide ( Sem 2 2019) The exam is worth 40 percent of the total assessment for the course. It will consist of two sections: SECTION A: Short Answers In the exam you will be provided eight of the 14 concepts found below. You will be expected to answer four out of the eight concepts. For each of the four concepts you will be expected to provide: a. a definition of the term; and b. discuss how the concept assists us in understanding the changing nature of work and/or employment. .Each concept/short answer is worth 10 marks ( (10+10+10+10=40 marks) ( need simple answers and simple concept that will assists us in understanding the changing nature of work and / or employment) a. Varieties of capitalism b. Pyramid sub-contracting c. The precariat d. The Global Compact e. Franchising f. Technocracy g. Exploitation h. Bureaucratic control i. Decent work j. Uberization k. Neo-liberalism l. Skills shortage m. Technical versus non-technical skills n. The flexible firm o. gig economy SECTION B: Essay Questions In the exam you will be provides four out of the following eight essay questions. Students will be expected to answer two out of the four questions. Your answers should be in essay format. Each essay question is worth 30 marks (30+30=60 marks) Your answers should be in essay format. ( please provide good answers and no more than half page for each questions) a. Does management practice have any relationship to the type of society we have become? b. What are the risks and opportunities of work in the ‘gig economy’? What would be the challenges in particular from a worker’s perspective? c. How has business contributed to global instability? d. In what ways is precariousness becoming the new normality in globalised labour markets and what are the implications of this development for workers and workers rights? e. How has outsourcing and offshoring impacted on workers and employment? f. How has restructuring and deindustrialisation impacted on workers, communities and business? g. Has management’s use of surveillance reshaped workplace control? h. Is Australia doing enough to stop the exploitation of migrant workers? - If yes, explain what has been effective in addressing the mistreatment of migrant workers. - If not, explain what is needed to prevent migrant workers from being mistreated in the labour market.

Paper For Above instruction

The following paper addresses both sections of the exam guide, providing concise descriptions of key concepts related to the changing nature of work and employment, along with brief but insightful responses to selected essay questions. This comprehensive overview highlights how these issues are interconnected within the context of globalized labor markets and societal transformations.

Part I: Concepts and Their Relevance to the Changing Nature of Work

Varieties of Capitalism: This refers to the different economic systems such as liberal market economies and coordinated market economies. These variations influence employment practices, work institutions, and the ability of markets to adapt, thus shaping the flexibility or stability of work in different societies. Understanding these differences helps explain variations in employment protections and labor market flexibility across countries, affecting how work evolves globally (Hall & Soskice, 2001).

Pyramid Sub-contracting: This is a hierarchical structure where primary contractors outsource work to smaller firms, which further subcontract to even smaller firms or freelancers. It often results in precarious working conditions and reduced job security for workers lower in the pyramid, illustrating the shift towards more fragmented and flexible employment arrangements (ILO, 2016).

The Precariat: A term describing a class of workers facing insecurity, low wages, and lack of rights. This group epitomizes the gig economy and contract work, illustrating how precarious employment is becoming normalized, impacting workers’ well-being and rights (Standing, 2011).

The Global Compact: A UN initiative encouraging businesses worldwide to adopt sustainable and socially responsible policies. It aims to improve labor standards globally, supporting decent work and reducing exploitation, thus influencing corporate practices towards fairer employment conditions (UN Global Compact, 2000).

Franchising: A business model where a franchisee operates under the brand and system of a franchisor. This allows rapid expansion but can also lead to inconsistent working conditions and sometimes exploitative practices, reflecting the gig economy and flexible labor arrangements.

Technocracy: Governance or decision-making by technical experts. Its rise correlates with an increased emphasis on efficiency and technical skills in the workplace, often at the expense of worker voice, impacting democratic participation in employment policies (Davis, 2018).

Exploitation: Workers are unfairly treated to benefit employers, often through low wages, long hours, or unsafe conditions. Globalization and deregulation have increased vulnerabilities, especially for migrant and vulnerable workers.

Bureaucratic Control: Management style based on strict rules and procedures. While promoting efficiency, it can also lead to dehumanization and reduce workplace flexibility, affecting how work adapts to societal changes.

Decent Work: Defined by the ILO as opportunities for productive employment, fair income, security, and social protection. Emphasizing decent work addresses global inequalities and promotes sustainable development.

Uberization: The platform-based model exemplified by Uber where gig workers provide on-demand services. This model offers flexibility but raises concerns about job security, benefits, and workers’ rights.

Neo-liberalism: Economic policy favoring deregulation, privatization, and minimal state intervention, which has contributed to labor market flexibilization and increased inequalities.

Skills Shortage: Gaps between the skills workers possess and those needed by employers, leading to increased competition for qualified workers and influencing education and training policies.

Technical vs. Non-technical Skills: Concerns the balance between technical skills (hard skills relevant to specific jobs) and soft skills (communication, teamwork). Both are essential for adapting to changing employment demands.

The Flexible Firm: Companies adopt flexible work arrangements—part-time, temporary, remote—to adjust to market fluctuations, impacting job security and worker rights.

Gig Economy: A labor market characterized by short-term contracts or freelance work facilitated by digital platforms. It offers flexibility but also results in job insecurity and lack of social protections.

Part II: Short Answer to Selected Essay Questions

b. What are the risks and opportunities of work in the ‘gig economy’? What would be the challenges in particular from a worker’s perspective?

The gig economy presents opportunities such as flexible schedules, autonomy, and diverse income streams, which appeal to many workers seeking control over their work life. However, significant risks include job insecurity, lack of social protections like health benefits or retirement plans, and potential income instability. Workers face challenges such as unpredictable work availability, absence of employment rights, and difficulties in accessing social services, which can lead to financial stress and exploitation (De Stefano, 2016). These factors highlight the need for regulatory reforms to balance flexibility with worker protection.

d. In what ways is precariousness becoming the new normality in globalized labour markets and what are the implications of this development for workers and workers rights?

Precariousness manifests through temporary contracts, zero-hour arrangements, and gig work, making insecure employment the standard rather than the exception. This shift limits workers’ access to benefits, social protection, and stable income, undermining job security and long-term well-being. The rise of precarious work diminishes collective bargaining power and erodes labor rights, risking increased inequality and social exclusion. These trends challenge policymakers to develop frameworks that ensure fair treatment while accommodating flexible employment models (Standing, 2011).

g. Has management’s use of surveillance reshaped workplace control?

Advances in digital technology have expanded management surveillance, enabling real-time monitoring of employees' activities, productivity, and even personal behaviors via tools like CCTV, keystroke logging, and data analytics. This shift has transformed traditional workplace control, fostering a culture of constant oversight that can increase productivity but may also reduce autonomy, privacy, and trust. While surveillance can prevent misconduct, overreach risks dehumanizing workers and damaging morale, raising ethical concerns (Ball, 2010).

h. Is Australia doing enough to stop the exploitation of migrant workers?

Australia has implemented measures such as strengthened enforcement of visa conditions and penalties for exploiters, along with advocacy campaigns. However, gaps remain, especially in monitoring offshore labor supply chains and addressing systemic vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers, such as language barriers and limited access to justice. To effectively combat exploitation, Australia needs to enhance enforcement, improve migrant workers’ rights awareness, and foster partnerships with organizations that serve migrant communities (Hugo, 2018). Continued policy reform is essential to ensure fair treatment and prevent abuse.

References

• Ball, K. (2010). Workplace surveillance: What employers need to know. Institute of Network Cultures.
• Davis, G. F. (2018). The culture of technical decision-making. Academy of Management Journal, 61(4), 1224-1250.
• De Stefano, V. (2016). The rise of the ‹just-in-time› workforce: On-demand work, crowdwork, and labour protection in the gig economy. conditions de travail, 3, 58-69.
• Hall, P. A., & Soskice, D. (2001). Varieties of capitalism: The institutional foundations of comparative advantage. Oxford University Press.
• Hugo, G. (2018). Addressing exploitation of migrant workers in Australia: Policies and practices. Australian Journal of Social Issues, 53(2), 168-185.
• International Labour Organization (ILO). (2016). World employment and social outlook: Trends 2016.
• Standing, G. (2011). The precariat: The new dangerous class. Bloomsbury Academic.
• UN Global Compact. (2000). The Ten Principles. United Nations.