2.1 What is QWL?
Definitions of QWL range from the objective to the subjective and vary according to
each author’s theoretical perspective. Gallie, for example, notes the historical
background to the concept in the sociological literature1 and the divergent approaches
to the understanding of QWL. Despite approaching QWL from different standpoints,
he points to the similarity of conceptualisations provided in the literature: ‘the
remarkable convergence in terms of the aspects of work they considered crucial for well‐being’.
Central emphasis, he notes, is placed on ‘the scope for initiative in carrying out the job, the
variety of work, the opportunities for learning and the ability to participate in decision‐
making’ and these key variables remain relevant to our understanding of QWL today.
There is very limited research which attempts to map a composite set of QWL
indicators. Gospel’s 2003 review2 provides a useful starting point to any consideration
of the topic3. He identifies three broad components – work organisation, employment
conditions and working life – which may be either rated from the perspective of the