Labor unions and institutional corruption

The case of Kazakhstan

Bibliographic Data

ID6154444
AuthorsSlyamzhar Akhmetzharov (Nazarbayev University), Serik Orazgaliyev (0000-0002-8273-7633, Nazarbayev University)
Year2021
Volume12
Issue2
Pages133-144
Publication date2021-07-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueJournal of Eurasian Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1879-3665 • E-ISSN: 1879-3673
PublisherSAGE Publishing (PUBLISHER • US)
DOI10.1177/18793665211041198
OpenAlexW3196358587
LanguageEN
Citations received5
References cited28

In this study, we used the institutional corruption framework to analyze the evolution of labor unions in Kazakhstan. As a research method, we conducted a case study by combining document analysis with survey data covering (n)1,200 respondents across all 14 regions of the country. Our findings suggest that external and internal influences weakened labor unions and diverted from fulfilling their primary purpose of promoting interests of their members. External influences, represented by restrictive regulatory framework and state intervention, create conditions of limited independence of labor unions leaving them extremely narrow scope to operate in. Internal influences are represented by disagreements and conflicts between national-level labor unions. This article stipulates that dysfunctional and institutionally corrupt labor unions in Kazakhstan serve as an indicator of state fragility. The findings confirmed that institutional corruption of labor unions has an adverse impact on public trust, while a frequent occurrence of labor conflicts might impact political risk factors, contributing to increased state fragility

Business · Development economics · Dysfunctional family · Economics · Fragility · Independence (probability theory · Intervention (counseling · Labor disputes · Labor relations · Labour economics · Language change · Political science · Politics · Scope (computer science · State (computer science · Corruption and Economic Development · Crime, Illicit Activities, and Governance · Law · Law, Economics, and Judicial Systems

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Open DOIOpen Access