Towards a re-examination of work arrangements: An analysis from Rawls' Theory of Justice

Using Rawls' Theory of Justice, this paper critically examines the systemic fairness of work arrangements. The analysis suggests that the simultaneous use of different work arrangements, such as knowledge-based employment and contract work, often seems to conflict with the principles that, according to Rawls, would make them a fair manner of managing people in organizations. Possibly, this could explain the growing social debate and concern about the new modes of employment. This work underscores the need for researchers to develop a systemic and more critical view of the idea of justice in HR literature so that it can confront its critics and acquire greater social legitimisation.