A Multidimensional Approach to Measuring Decent Work in Five Countries Using Count Panel Data Models

Abstract

This paper proposes a methodology for measuring Decent Work (DW) from a multidimensional perspective using Alkire and Fosters methodology. According to Decent Work Country Programmes (DWCPs), we created a multidimensional index of DW, and takes into account five dimensions, the dimensions include indicators on the availability of employment opportunities, availability of adequate earnings and productive work, availability of stability and security of work, availability of equal opportunity and treatment in employment and availability of social security. Despite the fact that the variables included in this index are not exhaustive due to the aforementioned data constraints, they serve to illustrate to what extent countries are working to provide the greatest number of Decent Work opportunities (DWO) using a data set specifically designed to measure the Decent Work indicator (DWI).Following recommendations made by the existing literature on work quality and the number of DWO provided by countries. In our numerical application, we use count panel data (CPD) models to investigate the impact of some dimensions on the number of DWO for five countries (Bahrain, China, Egypt, Jordan, and Nigeria) that have implemented DW country projects and programmes to construct a synthetic indicator of DW at a country level from 1999 to 2019.The results generated by this indicator show that the methodology used can allow policymakers to identify and focus on the most vulnerable workers in a labour market. The results of this index are then analyzed to highlight the contribution that the indicator can make to the discussion of labour markets in countries , and arranges countries according to the level of DW, through which these countries can measure their level of progress towards DW, The findings degrees different levels of DW among the five countries studied, with Nigeria and Jordan presenting very poor results in terms of the index; Egypt falling into the middle range of achievement; and Bahrain and China achieving better results.