A dynamic work systems approach for analysing employment relations

This chapter develops a framework for analysing the context of work, particularly the institutions, policies and norms that govern employment relations. It builds upon previous studies that develop integrated multi-factor frameworks for analysing work and employment relations issues by articulating the need for a ‘dynamic work systems approach’ to analyse change in an international and comparative context. The chapter examines the ways that work and employment relations are changing before identifying the national, sectoral and transnational institutions that condition these changes in particular contexts. While these institutions are important for understanding stability and path dependence in work and employment relations systems, the chapter draws attention to the importance of politics, ideas and events in order to develop a dynamic framework to account for change.