Abstract:
There is widespread concern that the current pattern of globalization does not adequately
support major social goals such as employment and social protection. The World Commission
on the Social Dimension of Globalization, which was established by the ILO, analysed the
different perspectives on globalization and the ways in which the inequities and imbalances of
globalization could be overcome. If the potential for good globalization is to be realized, the
Commission argued, improved governance is needed at all levels, and coherent policies designed
to make decent work a global goal. This paper explores the impact of globalization on work
and employment, including not only the volume of employment but also its quality in terms of
conditions of work, rights, protection and incomes. Major new developments, such as the rise of
global production systems, and intensified competition in global markets, call for new policies
at both national and international levels and for a reassessment of the role of different policy
actors – the state, business, labour, civil society and international organizations – and more
reflection on the policy instruments that are needed for action at the international level to find
policies, rules and mechanisms by which economic and social goals can be coordinated in the
global economy.
