The New Challenges to Individual Working Conditions in European Public Services: A Comparative Study of Global Restructuring and Customization

Abstract

The article draws on the results of the WORKS European research project. The survey analyses the relationship between global processes of change and changes in one’s working life and working conditions at the workplace. The work starts by presenting a theoretical framework, focusing on the conceptualisation of globalization and value chains in relation to the public sector. An analysis is then provided of empirical cases from different European countries in which we conceptualise the changes in public service in Europe in the form of value chain restructuring. A discussion follows of the impacts of the restructuring processes on work, employment conditions, work identity and job security. The last section of the paper highlights the common characteristics of the new public customer-oriented companies, along with how these characteristics can help us understand the changes taking place in working conditions and working life.

 

Key terms: public services, working conditions, restructuring, customization, Europe

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