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Evaluating Labour Market Flexibility Using the TOPSIS Method: Sustainable Industrial Relations

Author

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  • Anna Galik

    (Faculty of Economics, University of Gdansk, 81-824 Sopot, Poland)

  • Monika Bąk

    (Faculty of Economics, University of Gdansk, 81-824 Sopot, Poland)

  • Katarzyna Bałandynowicz-Panfil

    (Faculty of Economics, University of Gdansk, 81-824 Sopot, Poland)

  • Giuseppe T. Cirella

    (Faculty of Economics, University of Gdansk, 81-824 Sopot, Poland)

Abstract

This study evaluates labour market flexibility using the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS), a multi-criteria decision analysis (MCDA) method. TOPSIS is employed by comparing spatial (i.e., different countries) and temporal (i.e., long-time horizon) terms. Sustainable industrial relations processes are considered in shaping the flexibility of the labour market in 15 European Union Member States from 2009 to 2018. Countries are grouped into classes to provide a basis for benchmarking results against social and employment policies implemented at the national level. A five-step quantitative MCDA method is formulated using published data from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. The results indicate that the TOPSIS method is an appropriate approach for measuring labour market flexibility internationally. Moreover, in relation to workforce phenomena, the findings show that the method offers the possibility of examining the impact of particular factors related to social and employment policies of a country in terms of sustainable development and socioeconomic growth. The lack of precision tools to forecast the development of national and transnational labour markets—particularly during the COVID-19 era—highlights the importance of such a method for workforce planners and policymakers. Developing sustainable industrial relations in terms of associated national externalities is the motivation of the research.

Suggested Citation

  • Anna Galik & Monika Bąk & Katarzyna Bałandynowicz-Panfil & Giuseppe T. Cirella, 2022. "Evaluating Labour Market Flexibility Using the TOPSIS Method: Sustainable Industrial Relations," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(1), pages 1-20, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:14:y:2022:i:1:p:526-:d:717452
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Michele Boldrin & Fabio Canova, 2001. "Inequality and convergence in Europe’s regions: reconsidering European regional policies," Economic Policy, CEPR, CESifo, Sciences Po;CES;MSH, vol. 16(32), pages 206-253.
    2. Rob Van Tulder & Suzana B. Rodrigues & Hafiz Mirza & Kathleen Sexsmith, 2021. "The UN’s Sustainable Development Goals: Can multinational enterprises lead the Decade of Action?," Journal of International Business Policy, Palgrave Macmillan, vol. 4(1), pages 1-21, March.
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    Cited by:

    1. Desislava Koleva-Stefanova, 2022. "The Dynamic Transformations On The Labour Market In Bulgaria In Conditions Of Digital Technologies And Pandemic," Economic Archive, D. A. Tsenov Academy of Economics, Svishtov, Bulgaria, issue 4 Year 20, pages 37-57.
    2. Beata Bieszk-Stolorz & Krzysztof Dmytrów, 2022. "Assessment of the Similarity of the Situation in the EU Labour Markets and Their Changes in the Face of the COVID-19 Pandemic," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(6), pages 1-20, March.
    3. Iwona Bąk & Katarzyna Wawrzyniak & Maciej Oesterreich, 2022. "Competitiveness of the Regions of the European Union in a Sustainable Knowledge-Based Economy," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-22, March.
    4. Ning Pang & Xiaoya Deng & Aihua Long & Lili Zhang & Xinchen Gu, 2022. "Evaluation of the Resilience of the Socio-Hydrological System of the Tarim River Basin in China and Analysis of the Degree of Barriers," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(13), pages 1-20, June.
    5. Marcin Bogdański & Marcin Janusz, 2022. "Small Towns’ Functions as a Determinant of the Standard of Living in Rural Areas—An Example from Poland," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(20), pages 1-21, October.
    6. Yongliang Jiao & Ren Li & Tonghua Wu & Xiaodong Wu & Shenning Wang & Jimin Yao & Guojie Hu & Xiaofan Zhu & Jianzong Shi & Yao Xiao & Erji Du & Yongping Qiao, 2025. "Physical Parameterization Sensitivity of Noah-MP for Hydrothermal Simulation Within the Active Layer on the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau," Land, MDPI, vol. 14(2), pages 1-24, January.
    7. Alexandra-Nicoleta Ciucu (Durnoi) & Kosyo Stoychev & Camelia Delcea & Vanesa Madalina Vargas & Carmen Pauna, 2024. "Regional SDG Performance in Bulgaria and Romania: Poverty, Education, and Decent Work," The AMFITEATRU ECONOMIC journal, Academy of Economic Studies - Bucharest, Romania, vol. 26(Special 1), pages 1208-1208, November.
    8. Xiaolei Fan & Hao Li & Qinfei Yu & Jianming Xu & Meng Li, 2023. "Assessment of Sustainable Supply Capability of Chinese Tin Resources Based on the Entropy Weight-TOPSIS Model," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(17), pages 1-17, August.
    9. Anna Oleńczuk-Paszel & Agnieszka Sompolska-Rzechuła, 2025. "Housing Conditions and the Quality of Life of the Populations of the European Union Countries," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 17(4), pages 1-25, February.

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