What matters for 'good work'? Shared perspectives from Work Integration Social Enterprises

Abstract

With the positive effects of 'good work', and the adverse effects of poor work becoming increasingly well documented, innovative approaches to providing employment for those who are excluded from work continues to be a salient topic. Work Integration Social Enterprises (WISEs) are organizations that pursue employment creation for those often excluded from the wider labour market. Yet WISEs have faced criticism for prioritizing market-based approaches to addressing social problems, posing implications for good work. Since 'good work' is highly subjective we employ Q methodology to answer the question: What are the perspectives of workers in WISEs regarding what 'good work' means to them? The findings of our study indicate that three broad perspectives on good work emerge from workers within WISEs. The nuances of these perspectives could help to guide WISEs to balance the provision of good work alongside social and commercial tensions.