http://hdl.handle.net/2328/26096 2013-06-19T19:01:06Z 2013-06-19T19:01:06Z Esposto, A. http://hdl.handle.net/2328/26132 2012-06-21T07:36:45Z 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Skill: An Elusive and Ambiguous Concept in Labour Market Studies Authors: Esposto, A. Abstract: The concept of skill and its measurement has been central in contemporary discussions of labour market issues. Such issues as the rise in earnings inequality and changes to the skill composition of employment have served to highlight the limitations of definitions of skill and the problems that these pose for analysis of labour market changes. This paper argues that current measures of skill contain numerous limitations and ambiguities. Part of the reason is that the concept is complex and ill defined. This paper suggests that a more robust and detailed definition of skill is imperative. Furthermore, definitions and measures of skill used in the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) provide an advanced and more useful background for skill measurement and analysis than current measures. Such an approach would be beneficial to adopt in Australia, as it would provide a broader, more accurate and detailed understanding of the nature of occupations, issues related to skill and skill shortages, and labour market change.

2008-01-01T00:00:00Z Tan, Yan Lester, Laurence Howard Richardson, Susan (Sue) http://hdl.handle.net/2328/26131 2013-02-21T22:43:56Z 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Labour Force Projections: A Case Study of the Greater Metropolitan Area of New South Wales Authors: Tan, Yan; Lester, Laurence Howard; Richardson, Susan (Sue) Abstract: There is a fundamental gap in our understanding of the complexity and uncertainty in projecting and analysing the supply of labour at a regional level, due mainly to the lack of longitudinal data and difficulties in determining suitable models for prediction. This study takes the Greater Metropolitan Area (GMA) of New South Wales as a case study to investigate feasible methods of projecting a regional workforce. It derives information about trends in employment and workforce status in the GMA from national and state level time series data. Growth curve models are then used to project rates of age-sex specific workforce participation, and the ratios of full-time and part-time employment. Our analysis demonstrates that the growth curve models and direct projections of workforce elements, especially participation rates, can provide effective methodologies and techniques to project the future labour supply at aggregate or regional levels. It provides specific results and conclusion for the GMA. These results have implications for labour supply in Australia generally.

2008-01-01T00:00:00Z Townsend, K. Charles, M.B. http://hdl.handle.net/2328/26130 2012-06-21T07:34:47Z 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Jarhead and Deskilling in the Military: Potential Implications for the Australian Labour Market Authors: Townsend, K.; Charles, M.B. Abstract: This paper uses a popular culture medium to examine the notion of deskilling in one particular sector, viz., the military. Jarhead was released to cinemas in 2005 and follows the experiences of United States Marine, Anthony Swofford, in the first Gulf War of the early 1990s. We witness the central character undergo intensive training to become one of the Marine's highly skilled employees - a sniper. We observe Swofford and his colleagues' increasing frustrations with their inability to 'ply their trade'. While the sniper was a highly skilled, indeed elite, fighter in earlier conflicts, technological developments have left this skilled artisan as a bystander in modern set-piece warfare. This paper adds to our understanding of the tensions between traditional skilled occupations and technological development, in addition to the tensions between military skills and non-military employment. Using the Hollywood movie Jarhead as a lens, the audience witnesses the manner in which technology leads to a divergence in workplace skills. Finally, this paper considers the implications for the Australian labour market.

2008-01-01T00:00:00Z McDonald, P. Backstrom, S. http://hdl.handle.net/2328/26129 2012-06-21T07:32:42Z 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z

Title: Fighting Back: Workplace Sexual Harassment and the Case of North Country Authors: McDonald, P.; Backstrom, S. Abstract: Sexual harassment in the workplace has been documented as a widespread and damaging phenomenon. Less well examined, however, are the tactics used by perpetrators to inhibit outrage about the harassment or the counter-strategies which can be used by women to oppose these tactics. This study, using the framework of backfire theory (Scott and Martin 2006), explores how a victim opposed sexual harassment in the film North Country (2005). In the course of her employment, the main character in the film, Josie Aimes, and her female co-workers, were subjected to systematic and brutal sexual harassment ranging from name-calling to physical sexual assault. Consistent with backfire theory, the analysis revealed five specific strategies used by the perpetrators to inhibit outrage: cover-up, devaluation, reinterpretation, intimidation and use of official channels, as well as anti-harassment strategies that attempted to make these tactics backfire. The findings have implications for educating and empowering women to actively stand up to and oppose sexual harassment in the workplace.

2008-01-01T00:00:00Z