Delivering better forms of work organization: Comparing vocational teachers in England, Wales and Norway

Abstract

The article explores the claim that Scandinavian countries have been able to support forms of work organization which afford employees higher levels of autonomy and control, compared with liberal market economies, such as the UK. Focusing upon the experience of vocational teachers in England, Wales and Norway, the article compares levels of autonomy, discretion and decision-making influence. The research finds evidence that Norway is indeed distinctive, and that both the institutional and policy context, alongside the actions of trade unions, are crucial in explaining the differences found.