The decent work enterprise: worker security and dynamic efficiency

This paper proposes an approach to the identification and measurement of a Decent Work Enterprise (DWE).

It covers the following issues:

• a literature review and summary of background debates and related developments surrounding Corporate Social Responsibilty (CSR) and Socially Responsible Investment (SRI)
• the basic ideology behind the Decent Work Enterprise, based on four contextual principles described as the 'Dynamic Efficiency' principle, the 'Shadow-of-the-Future' principle, the 'Security Difference' Principle and the 'Paternalism Test' principle
• identifying a 'Decent Work Enterprise' through the use of proxy indicators
• variations in socially equitable and economically equitable enterprrises
• approaches to human resource development within enterprise and the indices that could be used to assess firms' decent work practices
• analysis illustrating that a high DWE is compatible with good economic performance

the paper proposes that an ILO sponsored National DWE Award Scheme be administered to encourage industrial enterprises to develop labour and employment practices that are exemplary