Understanding barriers to decent work: A critical reflection using the Context-Power-Perception model

This chapter critically reflects on decent work scholarship across vocational and industrial/organizational psychology using McWhirter and McWha-Hermann’s (2021) Context-Power-Perception model. To illustrate the utility of this model in practice we engage in critical reflection of a body of research undertaken by the first author which focuses on the topic of fair reward (a core component of decent work). In doing so we demonstrate how pervasive blind spots can be in research, and how engaging in critical reflection can help to uncover them. By interrogating the context, power, and perception inherent in decent work scholarship we hope to draw attention to understudied areas of decent work. We conclude with a practical checklist and stimulus for critical reflection on decent work scholarship.