Working conditions and sustainable work

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

Policy brief
Published
6 October 2021
pdf
Formats and languages
Author(s): 
Mandl, Irene

Key findings

  • Only half of EU27 establishments with at least 10 employees exported products or services between 2016 and 2019, underlining the untapped potential of small establishments involved in global supply chains, including young international businesses (‘born globals’).
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  • Only half of EU27 establishments with at least 10 employees exported products or services between 2016 and 2019, underlining the untapped potential of small establishments involved in global supply chains, including young international businesses (‘born globals’).
  • To encourage the development of export-oriented enterprises, it will be critical for policymakers to step up support for them in dealing with the challenges of international activities – particularly as the EU transitions to a digital and green economy.
  • A common feature of work organisation in export-oriented establishments are multicultural teams tasked with the management of the international business activities. To support enterprises better in establishing and managing such teams, policymakers can provide forums to exchange practices and lessons learnt and focus on management skills.
  • High-skilled staff are essential to export-oriented establishments, which need a blend of vocational, technological and administrative skills. Ensuring expertise specifically related to international business activities such as in foreign languages (beyond English), intercultural competences, and knowledge of the institutional and regulatory frameworks in other countries is crucial.
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Abstract

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 succesRead more

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.

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Formats and languages

Research carried out prior to the UK’s withdrawal from the European Union on 31 January 2020, and published subsequently, may include data relating to the 28 EU Member States. Following this date, research only takes into account the 27 EU Member States (EU28 minus the UK), unless specified otherwise.

Part of the series

  • European Company Survey 2019

    Eurofound’s European Company Survey (ECS) maps and analyses company policies and practices which can have an impact on smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, as well as the development of social dialogue in companies. This series consists of outputs from the ECS 2019, the fourth edition of the survey. The survey was first carried out in 2004–2005 as the European Survey on Working Time and Work-Life Balance. 

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