Miles, L., Croucher, R., Stumbitz, B., Quinlan, M. and Vickers, I. 2013. Can Better Working Conditions Improve the Performance of SMEs: An International Literature Review. Geneva International Labour Office.
| Title | Can Better Working Conditions Improve the Performance of SMEs: An International Literature Review |
|---|---|
| Authors | Miles, L., Croucher, R., Stumbitz, B., Quinlan, M. and Vickers, I. |
| Abstract | This study reviews the literature on the link between working conditions, safety and health and skills development, on the one hand, and increased productivity on the other, with a specific focus on small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The writers find research evidence of an association between good workplace practices and various types of positive enterprise-level outcomes. These positive outcomes include reduced employee turnover, improved profitability and higher levels of customer satisfaction. The literature surveyed consists in the main of studies of high-income economies and rather than unpacking the influence of different practices these studies serves to affirm that practices have best results when they are employed together. So, for example, a coherent ‘bundle of practices’ , combining good occupational safety and health and training with improved working hours and wages will generally improve productivity, innovation and employee retention. The review also finds evidence of a cause and effect, suggesting that better management practices lead to improved business outcomes rather than vice versa. Despite all of the above, the review highlights that more research is needed. In particular, the researchers note the lack of literature analysing the complexity of the relationship between working conditions, safety and health, skills development, and firm outcomes. They also note the need for research in this area in developing and emerging economies. |
| Year | 2013 |
| Publisher | International Labour Office |
| Place of publication | Geneva |
| ISBN | 9789221275510 |
| 9221275515 | |
| 9789221275503 | |
| 9221275507 | |
| Web address (URL) | https://www.ilo.org/empent/Publications/WCMS_227760/lang--en/index.htm |
Social entrepreneurship, empowerment of women experiencing homelessness and gender equality
Miles, L., Granados, M. and Tweed, J. 2024. Social entrepreneurship, empowerment of women experiencing homelessness and gender equality. Journal of Social Entrepreneurship. Advanced online publication. https://doi.org/10.1080/19420676.2024.2326851
Migrant workers navigating the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK: Resilience, reworking and resistance
Miles, L., Freeman, T., Capucci Polzin, A., Reitz, R. and Croucher, R. 2024. Migrant workers navigating the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK: Resilience, reworking and resistance. Economic and Industrial Democracy. 45 (3), pp. 653-673. https://doi.org/10.1177/0143831X231199874
Self-surveillance practices of factory women migrant workers receiving SRH interventions in Malaysia: The effects of salience, gendered subjectivity and universalism
Freeman, T., Miles, L. and Ying, K. 2024. Self-surveillance practices of factory women migrant workers receiving SRH interventions in Malaysia: The effects of salience, gendered subjectivity and universalism. Economic and Industrial Democracy. Advanced online publication. https://doi.org/10.1177/0143831X231225098
“Complexity of Choice in Asylum Seeker Decision-Making,” UNU-CPR Policy Brief
Sherine El Taraboulsi-McCarthy, Lilian Miles, Sebastian Ille and Felicity Kersting 2023. “Complexity of Choice in Asylum Seeker Decision-Making,” UNU-CPR Policy Brief. New York United Nations University.
What Does It Take to Build an Inclusive Governance of Global Value Chains? A Framework for Intervention
Wang, Elizabeth Yi, Driffield, Nigel, Clegg, Jeremy, Miles, Lilian, Alford, Matthew and Kim, Jae 2023. What Does It Take to Build an Inclusive Governance of Global Value Chains? A Framework for Intervention. AIB Insights. 23 (2). https://doi.org/10.46697/001c.71445
A Handbook to Support the Sexual and Reproductive Health Needs of Factory Women Migrant Workers
Miles, L., Endut, N., Freeman, T., Ying, K., Lai, W.T. and Mat Yasin, S. 2022. A Handbook to Support the Sexual and Reproductive Health Needs of Factory Women Migrant Workers. Universiti Sains Malaysia, Malaysia Unit for Research on Women and Gender.
Empowerment as a pre-requisite to managing and influencing health in the workplace: The sexual and reproductive health needs of factory women migrant workers in Malaysia
Miles, L., Freeman, T., Lai WT., Mat Yasin, S. and Ying, K. 2022. Empowerment as a pre-requisite to managing and influencing health in the workplace: The sexual and reproductive health needs of factory women migrant workers in Malaysia. Economic and Industrial Democracy. 43 (4), pp. 1676-1698. https://doi.org/10.1177/0143831X211024725
Investigation of measures to reduce dog attacks and promote responsible ownership amongst dog owners with dog control issues in the UK
Nurse, A., Miles, L. and Guest, C. 2021. Investigation of measures to reduce dog attacks and promote responsible ownership amongst dog owners with dog control issues in the UK. London A report to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs. Policy Studies Institute. Defra, London.
Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of women migrant workers in the ASEAN region: a systematic narrative review and synthesis.
Freeman, T., Miles, L., Mat Yasin, S., Ying, K. and Lai, WT. 2021. Sexual and reproductive health (SRH) of women migrant workers in the ASEAN region: a systematic narrative review and synthesis. 19th ILERA World Congress: Making and Breaking Boundaries in Work and Employment Relations, 21-24 Jun 2021, Lund, Sweden. On-line 21 - 24 Jun 2021
At the limits of ‘Capability’: The sexual and reproductive health of women migrant workers in Malaysia
Freeman, T., Miles, L., Ying, K., Mat Yasin, S. and Lai, Wan-Teng 2021. At the limits of ‘Capability’: The sexual and reproductive health of women migrant workers in Malaysia. Sociology of Health and Illness. 45 (5), pp. 947-970. https://doi.org/10.1111/1467-9566.13323
Diversity in the work-life interface: Introduction to the Special Issue
Beauregard, TA., Adamson, M., Kunter, A, Miles, L. and Roper, I. 2020. Diversity in the work-life interface: Introduction to the Special Issue. Equality, Diversity and Inclusion: An international Journal. 39 (5), pp. 465-478. https://doi.org/10.1108/EDI-04-2020-0097
Politics, The Regulatory Environment and HRM
Roper, I., Miles, L. and James, P. 2020. Politics, The Regulatory Environment and HRM. in: Roper, I., Prouska, R. and Chatrakul Na Ayudhya, U. (ed.) Critical Issues in Human Resource Management: Contemporary Perspectives Red Globe Press. pp. 47-64
Strategy Paper: SDG#5 Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights and Violence against Women services by Migrant Workers in Malaysia
Freeman, T. and Miles, L. 2019. Strategy Paper: SDG#5 Access to Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights and Violence against Women services by Migrant Workers in Malaysia. UN-Women.
A Toolkit for Women Migrant Workers' Empowerment in Malaysia: Meeting Sexual and Reproductive Health Needs
Miles, L., Lewis, S., Endut, N., Ying, K., Lai, W.T. and Mat Yasin, S. 2019. A Toolkit for Women Migrant Workers' Empowerment in Malaysia: Meeting Sexual and Reproductive Health Needs. Centre for Research on Women and Gender (KANITA), USM.
Advocacy for women migrant workers in Malaysia through an intersectionality lens
Miles, L., Lewis, S., Teng, L. and Mat Yasin, S. 2019. Advocacy for women migrant workers in Malaysia through an intersectionality lens. Journal of Industrial Relations. 61 (5), pp. 682-703. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022185618814580
Legal Sanction, International Organisations and the Bangladesh Accord
Croucher, R., Houssart, M., Miles, L. and James, P. 2019. Legal Sanction, International Organisations and the Bangladesh Accord. Industrial Law Journal. 48 (4), pp. 549-570. https://doi.org/10.1093/indlaw/dwz003
Regulating factory safety in the Bangladeshi garment industry
James, P., Miles, L., Croucher, R. and Houssart, M. 2019. Regulating factory safety in the Bangladeshi garment industry. Regulation & Governance. 13 (3), pp. 431-444. https://doi.org/10.1111/rego.12183
Ethnicity, popular democratic movements and labour in Malaysia
Croucher, R. and Miles, L. 2018. Ethnicity, popular democratic movements and labour in Malaysia. Economic and Industrial Democracy. 39 (2), pp. 294-311. https://doi.org/10.1177/0143831x15619237
The Power of Disruptive Protest in Driving Reform: Explaining the Failed case of Labour in Malaysia
Miles, L. and Croucher, R. 2016. The Power of Disruptive Protest in Driving Reform: Explaining the Failed case of Labour in Malaysia. Global Labour Journal. 7 (3), pp. 297-314. https://doi.org/10.15173/glj.v7i3.2500
The Social Relations Approach, empowerment and women factory workers in Malaysia
Miles, L. 2016. The Social Relations Approach, empowerment and women factory workers in Malaysia. Economic and Industrial Democracy. 37 (1), pp. 3-22. https://doi.org/10.1177/0143831x14533734
The ‘integrative approach’ and labour regulation and Indonesia: Prospects and challenges
Miles, L. 2015. The ‘integrative approach’ and labour regulation and Indonesia: Prospects and challenges. Economic and Industrial Democracy. 36 (1), pp. 5-22. https://doi.org/10.1177/0143831x13489359
Maternity Protection in SMEs: An International Review
Lewis, S., Stumbitz, B., Miles, L. and Rouse, J. 2014. Maternity Protection in SMEs: An International Review. Geneva International Labour Organization.
The Capabilities Approach and Worker Wellbeing
Miles, L. 2014. The Capabilities Approach and Worker Wellbeing. Journal of Development Studies . 50 (8), pp. 1043-1054. https://doi.org/10.1080/00220388.2013.866220
Gramsci, Counter-hegemony and Labour Union–Civil Society Organisation Coalitions in Malaysia
Miles, L. and Croucher, R. 2013. Gramsci, Counter-hegemony and Labour Union–Civil Society Organisation Coalitions in Malaysia. Journal of Contemporary Asia. 43 (3). https://doi.org/10.1080/00472336.2013.775754
Evaluating South Korean legal channels for individual employment disputes through Budd and Colvin's framework
Croucher, R., Kyoung Eun and Miles, L. 2013. Evaluating South Korean legal channels for individual employment disputes through Budd and Colvin's framework. Comparative Labour Law and Policy Journal. 35 (1), pp. 45-65.
Corporate Governance in Asian Countries: Has Confucianism Anything to Offer?
Miles, L. and Goo, S. 2013. Corporate Governance in Asian Countries: Has Confucianism Anything to Offer? Business and Society Review. 118 (1), pp. 23-45. https://doi.org/10.1111/basr.12001
A Rawlsian basis for core labour rights
Croucher, R., Kelly, M.G.E. and Miles, L. 2012. A Rawlsian basis for core labour rights. Comparative Labor Law and Policy Journal. 33 (2), pp. 297-320.
Migrant Workers in China: Social Exclusion, Protection and Representation
Croucher, R. and Miles, L. 2011. Migrant Workers in China: Social Exclusion, Protection and Representation. in: Croucher, R., Li, P. and Okano, H. (ed.) Chinese Cities and the Outside World: A Workshop for City, Culture and Society Urban Research Plaza, Osaka City University. pp. 18-29
Corporate Governance Reform in Malaysia: An Institutional Theoretical Approach
Miles, L. 2010. Corporate Governance Reform in Malaysia: An Institutional Theoretical Approach. Journal of Comparative Law . 5 (2), pp. 314-330.
Corporate Governance and Employees in South Africa
Croucher, R. and Miles, L. 2010. Corporate Governance and Employees in South Africa. Journal of Corporate Law Studies. 10 (2), pp. 367-389. https://doi.org/10.5235/147359710793129435
Chinese Migrant Worker Representation and Institutional Change: Social or Centralist Corporatism?
Croucher, R. and Miles, L. 2010. Chinese Migrant Worker Representation and Institutional Change: Social or Centralist Corporatism? Asian Journal of Comparative Law. 5 (1). https://doi.org/10.2202/1932-0205.1245
The prospects for corporate governance operating as a vehicle for social change in South Africa
Miles, L. 2009. The prospects for corporate governance operating as a vehicle for social change in South Africa. Deakin Law Review. 14 (1).
The Legal Structuring of Women's Collective Voice in the South Korean Workplace
Croucher, R. and Miles, L. 2009. The Legal Structuring of Women's Collective Voice in the South Korean Workplace. Journal of Contemporary Asia. 39 (2), pp. 231-246. https://doi.org/10.1080/00472330902723816
Corporate Governance in western (Anglo American) and Islamic communities: prospects for convergence?
Miles, L. and Goulding, S. 2009. Corporate Governance in western (Anglo American) and Islamic communities: prospects for convergence? Journal of Business Law.
The significance of cultural norms in the evolution of Korean HRM practices
Miles, L. 2008. The significance of cultural norms in the evolution of Korean HRM practices. International Journal of Law and Management. 50 (1), pp. 33-46. https://doi.org/10.1108/03090550810852095
Transferring the Anglo American system to Korea: at what cost, and are there alternatives?
Miles, L. 2008. Transferring the Anglo American system to Korea: at what cost, and are there alternatives? Bond Law Review. 20 (4).
Current changes in labour management and industrial relations in Japan and their impact on its “stakeholder‐oriented” governance model
Miles, L. 2007. Current changes in labour management and industrial relations in Japan and their impact on its “stakeholder‐oriented” governance model. Managerial Law. 49 (4), pp. 117-128. https://doi.org/10.1108/03090550710836544
The cultural aspects of corporate governance reform in South Korea
Miles, L. 2007. The cultural aspects of corporate governance reform in South Korea. Journal of Business Law. 8, pp. 851-867.
The Application of Anglo-American Corporate Practices in Societies Influenced by Confucian Values
Miles, L. 2006. The Application of Anglo-American Corporate Practices in Societies Influenced by Confucian Values. Business and Society Review. 113 (3), pp. 305-322. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1467-8594.2006.00274.x
Improving corporate governance in state-owned corporations in China: which way forward?
Miles, L. and Zhong Zhang 2006. Improving corporate governance in state-owned corporations in China: which way forward? Journal of Corporate Law Studies. 6 (1), pp. 213-248. https://doi.org/10.1080/14735970.2006.11419951
Promoting an inclusive approach on the part of directors: the UK and German positions
Schall, A., Miles, L. and Goulding, S. 2006. Promoting an inclusive approach on the part of directors: the UK and German positions. Journal of Corporate Law Studies. 6 (2), pp. 299-328. https://doi.org/10.1080/14735970.2006.11419954
Protecting the rights and interests of minority shareholders in China: challenges for the future
Miles, L. and He, M. 2005. Protecting the rights and interests of minority shareholders in China: challenges for the future. International Company and Commercial Law Review. 16 (7), pp. 275-290.
Judicial enforcement of extra-legal codes in UK and German company law: including observations on OLG Schleswig-Holstein, NZG 2004, 669 (Mobilcom ll) and LG Munchen l, NZG 2004, 626 (Hypovereinsbank)
Miles, L., Goulding, S. and Schall, A. 2005. Judicial enforcement of extra-legal codes in UK and German company law: including observations on OLG Schleswig-Holstein, NZG 2004, 669 (Mobilcom ll) and LG Munchen l, NZG 2004, 626 (Hypovereinsbank). European Company and Financial Law Review. 2 (1), pp. 20-62.
Waking up after the 1997 financial crisis: corporate governance in Malaysia
Miles, L. 2004. Waking up after the 1997 financial crisis: corporate governance in Malaysia. Journal of International Banking Law and Regulation. 20 (1), pp. 21-32.
Recent developments in corporate governance in New Zealand
Miles, L. 2004. Recent developments in corporate governance in New Zealand. Company Lawyer. 25 (8), pp. 246-251.
The German takeover code: what implications?
Miles, L. and Zagelmeyer, S. 2004. The German takeover code: what implications? International Company and Commercial Law Review. 15 (7), pp. 221-230.
The role of institutional shareholders in corporate governance: recent developments in the UK
Miles, L. 2003. The role of institutional shareholders in corporate governance: recent developments in the UK. Scottish Law and Practice Quarterly. 8 (3), pp. 204-216.
Recent developments in Japanese corporate governance
Miles, L. 2003. Recent developments in Japanese corporate governance. International Company and Commercial Law Review. 14 (11), pp. 343-351.
Company stakeholders: their position under the new framework
Miles, L. 2003. Company stakeholders: their position under the new framework. Company Lawyer. 24 (2), pp. 56-59.
Corporate Governance
Proctor, G. and Miles, L. 2002. Corporate Governance. Cavendish Publishing.
The German corporate governance code: what implications?
Miles, L. 2002. The German corporate governance code: what implications? Business Law Review. 23 (6), pp. 140-145.
Unresponsive shareholders in public companies: dial M for motivate
Miles, L. 2000. Unresponsive shareholders in public companies: dial M for motivate. Company Lawyer. 21 (5), pp. 142-144.
Shaping the duties of directors: no to stakeholder approach, yes to transparency
Miles, L. and Proctor, G. 2000. Shaping the duties of directors: no to stakeholder approach, yes to transparency. Amicus Curiae. 32, pp. 18-21.
Redesigning the role of non executive director: has the consultation document gone far enough?
Miles, L. and Proctor, G. 2000. Redesigning the role of non executive director: has the consultation document gone far enough? Business Law Review. 21 (6), pp. 143-146.
Neither use nor ornament: do we really need annual general meetings?
Miles, L. and Proctor, G. 2000. Neither use nor ornament: do we really need annual general meetings? Amicus Curiae. 24, pp. 21-24.
Institutional shareholders: sleeping partners in corporate governance
Miles, L. 2000. Institutional shareholders: sleeping partners in corporate governance. Scottish Law and Practice Quarterly. 5 (3), pp. 210-216.
Permalink - https://westminsterresearch.westminster.ac.uk/item/qy71x/can-better-working-conditions-improve-the-performance-of-smes-an-international-literature-review