Policy Press

Mapping Good Work

The Quality of Working Life Across the Occupational Structure

By Mark Williams, Ying Zhou and Min Zou

Published

Sep 2, 2020

Page count

162 pages

ISBN

978-1529208290

Dimensions

203 x 127 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Sep 2, 2020

Page count

162 pages

ISBN

978-1529216097

Dimensions

Imprint

Bristol University Press
Mapping Good Work
Download via OAPEN

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