Informal Networks and the Representation of Workers’ Interests in the United Kingdom Audio-Visual Industries, 2004-2005

<P>Abstract copyright UK Data Service and data collection copyright owner.</P><br>This project explored the nature and functions of a range of informal networks developed by freelance workers to represent and defend their interests in the UK audio-visual (AV) industries. The structure of employment in this sector has changed considerably over the past two decades. Worker insecurity and uncertainty have developed as permanent jobs are replaced by freelance and short-term contracts. Over this period Trade Union influence and recognition has been eroded while the importance of networks based on informal contacts and reputation has increased. This project explores the ways in which freelance workers use networks to articulate and advance both individual and collective interests.

The researchers interviewed 35 freelance workers, who were questioned on their individual behaviour, attitudes, and aspirations in relation to informal networks. They also conducted 7 interviews with key informants from trade unions and interest groups exploring the interaction between informal networks and traditional institutions of industrial relations.
The principal objectives of the study were:<ul>
<li>to explore the use of informal networks by freelance workers in AV industries</li>
<li>to examine how such networks are used to represent/defend worker interests in the employment relationship</li>
<li>to assess whether such networks provide the potential for collective renewal and/or a foundation for alternative institutions to represent collective interests</li>
<li>to investigate the impact of such networks on existing formal networks of representation (i.e. Trade Unions).</li></ul>
Further information about the study is available from its <a href="http://www.esrcsocietytoday/esrcinfocentre/viewawardpage.aspx?awardnumber=RES-000-22-0562" title="Informal Networks and the Representation of Workers’ Interests in the United Kingdom Audio-Visual Industries, 2004-2005">ESRC award page</a>.<br><B>Main Topics</B>:<BR><br>Networks, trade unions, audio-visual industries, social capital, audio-visual freelance, internet.

<P>摘要版权归英国数据服务（UK Data Service）及数据收集版权所有者所有。</P><br>本项目探讨了英国视听（AV）行业自由职业者为代表和维护自身利益而建立的各类非正式网络的性质与功能。该行业的就业结构在过去二十年间发生了显著变化：随着长期职位被自由职业和短期合同取代，劳动者的不安全感与不确定性日益加剧。在此期间，工会（Trade Union）的影响力与认可度逐渐减弱，而基于非正式联系和声誉的网络的重要性则不断提升。本项目探究了自由职业者如何利用网络表达并推动个人及集体利益。

研究人员访谈了35名自由职业者，就其在非正式网络方面的个人行为、态度及期望展开询问；同时还对工会及利益团体的7名关键知情者进行了访谈，以探究非正式网络与传统劳资关系机构之间的互动。

本研究的主要目标包括：<ul>
<li>探究视听行业自由职业者对非正式网络的使用情况</li>
<li>考察此类网络如何在雇佣关系中被用于代表/维护劳动者利益</li>
<li>评估此类网络是否具备集体复兴的潜力，以及/或能否为代表集体利益的替代机构提供基础</li>
<li>调查此类网络对现有正式代表网络（即工会）的影响</li></ul>
关于本研究的更多信息可通过其<a href="http://www.esrcsocietytoday/esrcinfocentre/viewawardpage.aspx?awardnumber=RES-000-22-0562" title="英国视听行业劳动者利益的非正式网络与代表机制，2004-2005">经济与社会研究理事会（ESRC）资助项目页面</a>获取。<br><B>主要主题</B>:<BR><br>网络、工会、视听行业、社会资本、视听行业自由职业者、互联网。