IMPACT OF A HEALTHY WORKING ENVIRONMENT ON CARPET WEAVING INDUSTRY GROWTH

Abstract

The art of carpet weaving is an area of culture which development traces back to a century-old tradition in the countries of the East. This industry has survived to present day and plays a significant role for the economies of Central Asia and Iran, making up a large share of their export supplies. The scientists from different countries study the history of carpet weaving goods in the context of their cultural and artistic peculiarities: ornaments, signs, symbols, etc. However, this industry is primary considered as a source of creating objects of decorative and applied art. Only a few researchers address the current economic problems of the industry, in particular, the issues of labour organization and working conditions. Technology and organization of handmade carpet making and working conditions of craftsmen in Afghanistan have not changed much for many centuries: one carpet is created within 2-4 months by backbreaking work of a group of 3-5 Afghan craftswomen. The industry faces significant competition from cheap artificial carpets from Pakistan. Experts note a drop in the export potential of carpet weaving in Afghanistan, and some even talk about the problem of fading of the ancient craft traditions in the country. These circumstances determined the relevance of the topic. The article describes the findings of the fieldwork-based research devoted to investigating the impact of a healthy working environment on the carpet weaving industry growth. The aim of this study is to identify the factors affecting a healthy working environment and establish the correlation between them on the example of carpet weaving industry. The findings are the results of the survey conducted in all carpet weaving companies in the Akchakh district of Jawzjan province in northern Afghanistan. This rural region has an ancient tradition of carpet weaving.