Tools of trade: Supporting export businesses to improve their workplace practices

The economic and labour market contribution of international businesses is well recognised, but policymakers could do more to help such enterprises to develop their activities. This policy brief explores the workplace practices in export-oriented establishments that may contribute to their success. It also identifies aspects of their workplace practices that can result in ‘win–win’ outcomes, ones that are mutually beneficial for employers and employees. The analysis identifies autonomous multicultural teams dealing with the international business administration as a common feature of export-oriented establishments. It discusses the skills needs of these teams, and how establishments recruit and train their members. Employee participation in organisational decision-making is found to be an important mediating factor for work organisation.