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The In-House Contracting Paradox: Flexibility, Control, and Tension

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  • Lee, Jong-Woon

Abstract

This study argues that the coordination of workplace changes brought about by increased flexibility attained through the utilization of contract labor is fraught with tension, which influences the ways in which employment relationships are shaped in the context of any given firm. The essence of such tension lies in the pursuit of organizational flexibility and quality control in the production process. Contradictions arise out of the attempt of user firms to avoid direct responsibility for the workforce while at the same time exerting managerial control over externalized contract workers. Such tensions and paradoxes are associated with conflicts of interest, and compromise between and within workplace actors.

Suggested Citation

  • Lee, Jong-Woon, 2013. "The In-House Contracting Paradox: Flexibility, Control, and Tension," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 45(C), pages 161-174.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:wdevel:v:45:y:2013:i:c:p:161-174
    DOI: 10.1016/j.worlddev.2012.10.012
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Susan N. Houseman, 2001. "Why Employers Use Flexible Staffing Arrangements: Evidence from an Establishment Survey," ILR Review, Cornell University, ILR School, vol. 55(1), pages 149-170, October.
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    3. Eyck, Kim van., 2003. "Flexibilizing employment : an overview," ILO Working Papers 993597573402676, International Labour Organization.
    4. repec:ilo:ilowps:359757 is not listed on IDEAS
    5. Abraham, Katharine G & Taylor, Susan K, 1996. "Firms' Use of Outside Contractors: Theory and Evidence," Journal of Labor Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 14(3), pages 394-424, July.
    6. Jill Rubery & Fang Lee Cooke & Jill Earnshaw & Mick Marchington, 2003. "Inter‐organizational Relations and Employment in a Multi‐employer Environment," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 41(2), pages 265-289, June.
    7. Wolfgang Streeck, 1987. "The Uncertainties of Management in the Management of Uncertainty," International Journal of Political Economy, M.E. Sharpe, Inc., vol. 17(3), pages 57-87, October.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jong-Woon Lee, 2014. "Labour Contracting and Changing Employment Relationships in South Korea," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 32(4), pages 449-473, July.

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