Work organization and representation in England: A multidisciplinary analysis of trade unionism and employer practices across private and public sectors
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Using cross-sectional data, this study examines the sectoral relationships between work organization, representation systems, and job quality in both the private and public sectors, employing Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) and Gradient Boosting Machines (GBM). By analyzing 1,000 observations from the Workplace Employment Relations Survey (WERS) and Labour Force Survey (LFS), this research integrates structural modeling with machine learning to provide insights into sectoral differences. The findings indicate that union representation significantly enhances job quality in the public sector due to institutionalized frameworks, whereas flexible work policies play a critical role in improving job satisfaction in the private sector. The combined methodological approach also reveals non-linear interactions influencing job quality across sectors. This study contributes to employment relations theory by providing a comprehensive methodological framework and offering sectoral insights that inform future labor research and organizational strategies.
Author: Phan Khanh Duy
Institution: Bình Dương University
Language: English
Topic: Labor Movements and Unions
Subfield: Industrial relations
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W7204156152