Research Department Working Papers

The Research Department Working Papers are a series of research documents containing preliminary findings related to issues of the world of work. As such, these Working Papers are a work in progress and meant to stimulate debate and incite feedback. In that respect, readers are encouraged to submit their comments directly to the authors.

The views and opinions expressed therein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the International Labour Organization.

2020

  1. ILO Working paper 18

    More is more. Livelihood interventions and child labor in the agricultural sector

    14 December 2020

    This paper presents the results of two randomized livelihood intervention programmes aimed to reduce child labor, particularly in its most exploitative forms, in rural areas of Peru and the Philippines. It assess whether livelihood support interventions are effective in reducing child labor in rural areas; and whether combining livelihood support with education interventions and awareness-raising components makes the programmes more effective.

  2. ILO Working paper 15

    The Transformation of the Mexican Labour Regulation Model and its link to North American Economic Integration

    23 November 2020

    This paper examines the different phases and changes of the Mexican labour regulation model. It analyses the extent to which trade liberalization was pivotal in the recent labour regulation reforms – particularly in the area of freedom of association and collective bargaining –.

  3. ILO Working paper 13

    The labour market impact of international trade: Methodological approaches for macro- and meso-level assessments

    20 October 2020

    The paper presents an analysis of methodological approaches commonly used for the empirical assessment of international trade on labour market outcomes at the macro and meso level. It explains how mixed-methods and the use of a broader set of indicators could improve the analysis of qualitative aspects of the labour market related to working conditions.

  4. ILO Working paper 12

    Trade and labour market outcomes: Theory and evidence at the firm and worker levels

    20 October 2020

    This paper surveys the literature on the impact of international trade on firms and workers. It also discusses the challenges for future research and the need for developing new statistical indicators that better reflect the dimensions of decent work.

  5. ILO Working paper 7

    What drives CSR? An empirical analysis on the labour dimensions of CSR

    05 August 2020

    Relying on the data provided by an ESG rating agency, this paper aims at bringing more understanding on the diversity of firms’ behaviours in terms of labour related CSR and filling a gap on the potential role of labour market institutions, including workers’ collective rights, to contribute to an effective CSR policy.

  6. ILO Working paper 3

    Digital manufacturing revolutions as political projects and hypes: evidences from the auto sector

    27 April 2020

    The article analyses the evolution of automotive manufacturing technologies and organisations and assesses the impact of “fourth industrial revolution” concepts and policies (in Germany, US and Chi­na) in particular for employment and work.

  7. ILO Working paper 2

    Environmental integrity and doing business in Zimbabwe: Challenges and engagement of sustainable enterprises

    01 April 2020

    The objective of this paper is to explore the views of different groups of the business community, including workers, managers and owners of the formal as well as of the informal economy, on how environmental integrity is being pursued in Zimbabwe. Both quantitative and qualitative/interpretative methods have been applied. The paper concludes suggesting actions that the private sector can adopt to improve the existing situation and further strengthen its engagement towards environmental integrity in the country.

  8. Research Department Working Paper n°53

    Gender inequality and old-age income security: The case of Mexico

    21 January 2020

2019

  1. Research Department Working Paper n°52

    Economic and social upgrading in the Philippines’ pineapple supply chain

    19 October 2019

    Despite several decades of steady growth, Mindanao’s tropical agro-food industry and the pineapple supply chain more specifically are characterized by a relatively large proportion of workers being linked to small-scale production and low-skilled, labour-intensive and poorly paid work. What is the evidence regarding the alignment between economic improvement of the local industry and the quality and terms of employment realized by its workers?

  2. Research Department Working Paper n°51

    Employment programs and conflict in Somalia

    17 October 2019

    The notion that employment can contribute to peace is the explicit backdrop to a large number of employment programmes in conflict-affected states. However, there is lack of knowledge on the links between employment programmes and peace and on which programme designs maximise impact. This research investigates the role played by employment programs in reducing willingness of people to engage in violence in Somalia.