Activation policies and organisational innovation: the added value of the capability approach

Abstract

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to provide a brief introduction to activation policies, then discuss the capability approach, in particular highlighting a number of key concepts relevant to the analysis of active labour market policies. The second section presents the articles in this special issue, which address organisational innovation in activation policies and cover: six European countries (including Scandinavia and East and West Europe); an historical perspective; and policies aimed at the general workless population along with those targeted at specific groups e.g. disabled people. The final section emphasises three important teachings from this special issue. This paper introduces the special issue on the theme of activation policies and organisational innovation in the capability perspective.Design/methodology/approachThe paper presents a normative and analytical framework. Its relevance for empirical fieldwork is then illustrated through a synthesis of the case studies presented in the special issue.FindingsIt is argued that the capability approach provides a highly useful framework for analysis of activation policies. Across the diverse range of organisational innovation examined in the articles in the special issue, a capability perspective allows for identification of a number of common themes and failings.Originality/valueThe originality of the paper lies in the presentation of a diverse range of organisational innovation in relation to activation policies, and using a capability approach as a framework for analysis.

Capabilities and Choices of Vulnerable, Long-Term Unemployed Individuals

“…This capabilities-based definition of choice contrasts with competitive market mechanisms that underpin British employment support. The contrast is highlighted when considering the distinction between having choices that may be available and having the ability to make choices (Bonvin and Orton, 2009). …”

“…Choice is crucial because of its importance to determine and achieve the opportunities to do and be what individuals have reason to value (Muffels and Headey, 2013). Applying the capabilities approach, Bonvin and Orton (2009) argued that there are two conditions for successful labour market policy and interventions: the freedom of the individual to choose what they want to do, and the provision of the means for that individual to achieve their ambitions (Bonvin and Orton, 2009). This capabilities-based definition of choice contrasts with competitive market mechanisms that underpin British employment support.…”

“…This must also raise questions about the usefulness of the capabilities approach to explore the issue of choice for marginalised groups. The approach does highlight what choice would look like, for example in application to labour market policy and success (Bonvin and Orton, 2009). Theoretically, there should be the option of free choice, even if such choice is bounded (Lewis and Giullari, 2005).…”

“…Characterising attendance as voluntary is appropriate for individuals who attend of their own volition but misleading for those who have been sent by their JC+ advisor or Work Programme provider. The practice aims to give vulnerable and long-term unemployed individuals a degree of choice about the provider of employment services they want to work with (Greve, 2009) but the threat of sanctions or conditionality by 'the system' is likely to undermine attempts to achieve this aim (Bonvin and Orton, 2009). This highlights overlapping responsibilities as well as potentially conflicting approaches between JC+, Work Programme and other providers (Finn, 2011).…”

Introduction: empowering young people in disempowering times? Creating collaborative and transformative capabilities through participation

“…This encompasses two complementary dimensions (Bonvin and Moachon 2008;Bonvin and Orton 2009). The first relates to the means provided to young people, in terms of resources (cash or in-kind benefits), qualifications or education (training programmes provided via school or the like) as well as opportunities to participate in the labour market, in education and in society.…”