Problems and Perspectives in Research into the Quality of Work Life in Organisational Studies

Anna S. Gogoleva (), Pavel S. Sorokin and Azer G. Efendiev
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Anna S. Gogoleva: Center for Study of Social Organization of Business, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
Pavel S. Sorokin: Center for Study of Social Organization of Business, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia
Azer G. Efendiev: Center for Study of Social Organization of Business, National Research University Higher School of Economics, Moscow, Russia

Society and Economy, 2017, vol. 39, issue 4, 597-616

Abstract: This paper outlines major theoretical and methodological problems in Quality of Work Life (QWL) research within organisational studies and discusses possible solutions, based on extensive literature analysis. An electronic search in the Scopus database found 1,244 publications utilising the QWL concept. From this sample we selected 387 papers dealing directly with QWL and compiled a final set of publications for detailed review. The literature analysis revealed the absence of a clear and concrete understanding of QWL, various (and often incomplete) approaches to QWL content and indicators and interference between QWL and other concepts such as ‘job satisfaction’, which all resulted in a general confusion about the notion in academic discussions. As a possible solution, we suggested distinguishing clearly and including the following in the single integrative research instrument: 1) an aggregate subjective QWL measurement tool and 2) an aggregate objective QWL measurement tool. Finally, we present arguments for a new understanding of QWL, combining subjective and objective measures in the context of a general integration between ‘working conditions’ and ‘needs satisfaction’ approaches.

Keywords: quality of work life; industrial relations; methodology; organisational studies; working conditions; needs satisfaction (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: O18 Z10 Z13 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2017
Note: This research was supported by grants from the National Research University – Higher School of Economics (HSE) through the Basic Research Program
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (1)

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