Isik Urla Zeytinoglu, Editor,
Geneva: IIRA/ILO. ISBN Web pdf: 92-2-116130-7; Web html: 92-2-116131-5
Flexibility in workplace takes a variety of forms. This book focuses on numerical, functional and working time flexibility issues in workplaces with specific emphasis on the effects of such flexibility strategies on workers, the work environment and trade unions. As flexible work arrangements in newly created jobs are increasing in many countries, the topic is creating continued interest, and some concern, for researchers, policy makers, employers, unions, and the public at large. The purpose of this book is to present research results of the IIRA Flexible Work Patterns Study Group’s members. Their research focuses on flexibility strategies in workplaces and their effects on individual workers and their families, the work environment, and the unions. Earlier version of these chapters were presented and discussed at the International Industrial Relations Association World Congress in Berlin, Germany in September 2003. Study Group members reviewed the work submitted for this web-based book, and gave invaluable comments and suggestions to improve the quality of the book. We are indebted to their support of our work. We are also grateful to International Industrial Relations Association and the International Labour Office for hosting our book on their web site. We hope that, with the increased access to the Internet, our research results will be available globally to all those interested in flexibility issues in workplaces. Our book, as a whole or its individual chapters, can be downloaded for academic and research purposes. However, we request acknowledgement of the authors in all types and forms of dissemination to protect the authors’ intellectual property rights. The analytical scope of the book includes conceptual and theoretical examination of the topic as well as empirical analysis of workplace level country-specific experiences. In terms of the geographical scope, the book focuses on Canada, Finland, the Netherlands, Spain, the UK and the USA. These countries now have a well-developed experience with flexibility in the workplace dating back at least two decades. In terms of the coverage of flexibility strategies, the scope includes articles on functional flexibility, numerical flexibility, and working time flexibility. With the continued interest in the topic at the national level in most industrialized countries, and at international organizations such as the European Union (EU), International Labour Organisation (ILO), and the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), it is important and timely to continue examining this phenomenon to contribute to our knowledge.
