Our key research pillars

Pillar 1: Work Organisation, Working Life and Decent Work

Abstract

This pillar is dedicated to the four aspects of ‘decent work’ according to the ILO’s definition. Each of these aspects defines a sub-theme within the pillar. The first sub-theme is dedicated to dialogue at work. Members of the pillar study established and emerging types of workplace voice, such as collective bargaining, works councils, joint-consultative committees. The pillar also focuses on issues of industrial and workplace democracy as well as different forms of management, from managerialism to cooperative management. The second sub-theme focuses on macro-economic issues of work and social protection, which include schemes for unemployment benefits, social insurance, universal basic income, flexicurity, occupational citizenship, labour and management history, and work security and insecurity. The third sub-theme concerns historical, conceptual and policy issues of rights and types of work. Members of the pillar study historical and conceptual transformations in the definitions and types of work, including permanent, casual and precarious work. Additionally, they focus particularly on new forms of work, notably gig and platform work. Finally, the fourth sub-theme concerns the meaning and value of work for individuals and societies, which includes questions about the experience of work, the subjective impact of work activities and work experiences, and the history of working life.

Key words

Dialogue at work; social protection; regulatory regimes; types of work; meaning of work; experience of work and the history of working life.

Pillar 2: Work, Skills, Knowledge and Education

Abstract

This pillar aims to better understand the complexities and impacts of emerging technologies, qualifications, skills, flexible work and education on the future of work. The members of this pillar, who are drawn from the disciplines of management, marketing, accounting, information systems, demography, sociology and philosophy examine challenges and opportunities for decent work. New trends, emerging technologies and critical skills such as conflict resolution, customer service and sales are challenging organisations, governments and educational institutions because there is a critical skills gap in job advertisements. The pillar will consider questions such as what qualifications and skills are important for decent work? How to improve the match between migrants’ work and educational qualifications? To what extent can flexible work align with new jobs that require collaboration and socialisation? How can we harness emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things and cloud computing to link data so that it informs government policy relating to where people work, live and play? What are the implications of the variation in management’s educational qualifications between industries and demographically for provision of management education?

Key words

Management education; qualifications; skills; technological change; flexible work; immigration selection policy.

Pillar 3: Diversity and Inclusion at work and beyond

Abstract

This pillar is dedicated to investigating all aspects of diversity in order to promote decent work and inclusion for all people and groups regardless of gender, age, ability, sexuality, origins, and cultural and religious affiliations. Through research and thought leadership in relation to diversity and inclusion, Pillar members aim to contribute to better public policies and management strategies that will foster sustainable and inclusive workplaces in modern societies and economies.

The members of this pillar are drawn from the disciplines of demography, employment relations, history, international business, linguistics, management, and organisational studies. Individually and in collaboration, they carry out research relevant to: (i) equality of opportunity, equal representation, participation and treatment for all women and men in organisations as employees and as consumers of services and products; and (ii) inclusion in workplaces and in society. They aim to enhance understanding of past, current and emerging challenges to representation, participation and treatment in the workplace, in government, in business, in the Not-for-Profit (NFP) organisations and in the broader community.

This Pillar addresses employer approaches to and management of immigration, changing patterns of employment, labour force participation and inclusion of women, men, Indigenous Australians, varied cultural and identity groups, migrants and refugees of all ages and abilities.

Key words

History and impact of migration and migration policies in Australia and other countries; women in employment and business past, present and future; EEO and Affirmative Action policies, strategies and laws past, present and future; Discrimination in the workplace and beyond; Diversity and Cross-cultural Management; migrant labour market participation, employment and entrepreneurship; Social Identity issues and intersectionality; Disability, Neurodiversity and autism at work; ageing and age discrimination at work and beyond; linguistic diversity and its impact on the workplace, service delivery, education and consumers; consumer well-being in multicultural contexts.

Pillar 4: Innovation, regulation and supply chains in industry and transport

Abstract

This pillar focuses on changing approaches to innovation, regulation and supply chain management in industry and transport as key enablers of sustainable economic growth and safe and healthy employment in Australia and overseas. Members of this pillar are drawn from the fields of employment relations, entrepreneurship, international business, law and legal sociology, logistics and supply chain management, operations management, transportation and industry policy. Members conduct research on a variety of themes. One sub-theme focuses on institutional structures of regulation, including the investigation of how domestic and global supply chains can be regulated effectively to deliver safe workplaces and decent work, as well as economic objectives. A second sub-theme concerns processes of sustainable transition and transformation, and the ways in which innovation, regulation, industry policy, community and government contribute to change. Several members of this pillar share an expertise in the transport sector and other major industries, internationalisation strategy, corporate networks, the emergence of new approaches to business and markets, including new types of products or services.

Key words

Business and corporate networks; entrepreneurship; innovation, internationalisation and globalisation, global supply chains and supply chain management, regulation, workplace health and safety, transport (aviation, road, rail) and ports.