Unpacking the Concept of Decent Work in the Psychology of Working Theory for Blue-Collar Workers

Abstract

Our research aimed to expand the understanding of decent work at a micro level by exploring the concept among the intended target group for which the Psychology of Work Theory (PWT) was developed for (unskilled and semi-skilled workers). By using an interpretive phenomenological approach and drawing on 13 focus group discussions (with 71 South African blue-collar workers), our findings revealed both objective (e.g. job characteristics and resources, working conditions and skills reproduction) and subjective dimensions (e.g. challenge and mastery and fairness) of decent work. We expand existing knowledge about the work experiences of blue-collar workers as an underrepresented research sample, specifically within a non-western context (i.e. South Africa). Furthermore, we provide some in-depth nuances when considering the PWT for blue-collar workers. Based on our empirical findings and extant literature, our study shows ways in which the existing conceptualizations of decent work can be expanded in order to reflect the perceptions of blue-collar workers in South Africa.

Outcomes of Decent Work Among Blue-Collar Workers in South Africa: The Role of Job Satisfaction

“…Confirming the importance of decent work aspects such as adequate compensation (a dimension of DWS) is quite interesting, given the high unemployment rate (34.4% in 2021) in South Africa (Statistics South Africa, 2021). Past studies conducted in South Africa have suggested that blue-collar workers would rather have any kind of work than no work (Kekana, 2021; Koekemoer et al, 2018), suggesting that being employed is all-important, regardless of the pay they receive or their perception of DW.…”

“…In this regard, Nam and Kim (2019) found that decent work positively relates to work meaning. Moreover, Kekana et al (2022) found that blue-collar workers experience their work as decent if their company’s organizational culture is characterized by fairness and justice exemplified by equal treatment and interpersonal fairness practices. Additionally, these employees’ survival and power needs are met through having decent work, as it enables them to provide for themselves and their families, which results in them enjoying a raised personal status because they are employed.…”

“…Furthermore, although the work experiences of blue-collar workers might not align with those of white-collar employees, these workers still enjoy meaningful work and accumulate various skills over time (Koekemoer et al, 2019). As such, decent work can potentially offer the opportunity to build social connections and a sense of social belonging and articulate self-determination with meaningful activities (Duffy et al, 2016; Kekane et al, 2023). Given that decent work’s primary function is to satisfy basic needs (as per the PWT), Wan and Duffy (2022) recently explained that having decent work allows employees to be satisfied with their work and, as a result, exhibit low levels of turnover intention.…”

Meaningful Work Linking High-Quality Relationships and Commitment: A Conditional Process Study with Career Orientation

“…Researchers could examine the relationships in non-western cultures and in distinct contexts (e.g., stigmatized occupations). When doing so, researchers might consider the intersection of the study variables with decent work (e.g., Kekana et al, 2022). Scholars might also consider leveraging longitudinal studies, and experimental designs (e.g., relational interventions), to gather more insight into the interplay among the study's variables.…”

Influence of organisational climate on public service employee physical health

“…These factors highlight the importance of the organisational climate, as it plays a crucial role in shaping the working conditions and the overall well-being of employees (Sanhokwe, Chinyamurindi & Muzurura 2023 ). Calls exist for more research that seeks to promote a work environment that supports decent working conditions (Kabir, Gunu & Gwadabe 2022 ; Kekana, Koekemoer & O’Neil 2022 ). An environment promoting decent working conditions is linked to better physical health (Duffy et al 2021 ) and the promotion of mental well-being (Adams 2019 ; Chinyamurindi et al 2023 ).…”