Mapping Good Work
The Quality of Working Life Across the Occupational Structure
By Mark Williams, Ying Zhou and Min Zou
Published
2 Sep 2020Page count
162 pagesISBN
978-1529208290Dimensions
203 x 127 mmImprint
Bristol University PressPublished
2 Sep 2020Page count
162 pagesISBN
978-1529216097Imprint
Bristol University Press
Mapping Good Work
In the media
On our blog: A ‘Good Work recovery’ is key to unlocking Britain’s productive potential
Available Open Access under CC-BY-NC-ND licence
In this enlightening study of modern working lives in Britain, leading experts on the sociology of work draw on detailed statistical analyses to assess job quality and job satisfaction.
Drawing on decades of research data on hundreds of occupational groups, the authors challenge conventional notions of ‘good work’ and consider them afresh through the lens of workers themselves. With examples from many professions, the book examines why some occupations feel more rewarding than others, regardless of factors like pay and security.
Exploring fresh policies to promote the agenda for fulfilling employment, it builds an important case for genuine and sustained satisfaction in working lives.
"This book offers interesting and actionable approaches to job quality classification. A fantastic resource for policy makers, academic readers, employers and employees." Alexandra Beauregard, Birkbeck, University of London
"An innovative and highly original book. The authors develop a new approach for understanding job quality in the UK." Andy Charlwood, University of Leeds
“This is a timely and very topical book. It is exceedingly well-written with a clear argument based on a top-quality and robust data source.” Alan Felstead, Cardiff University
“Work is an important aspect of life for so many. This book provides a systematic map of job quality across occupations in the UK and will surely enrich social science research for years to come.” Andrew Clark, Paris School of Economics
Mark Williams is Reader in Human Resource Management at the School of Business and Management at Queen Mary University of London.
Ying Zhou is Reader in Human Resource Management at Surrey Business School at the University of Surrey.
Min Zou is Associate Professor in Human Resource Management at Henley Business School at the University of Reading.
Introduction
Mapping Good Work
What Makes Work Good?
The Good Work Hierarchy
The Occupational-Quality Structure
The Changing Occupational-Quality Structure
Conclusions and Implications
