‘Complexity’ and ‘Congruence’ in Australian Labour Regulation

Abstract

It is asserted that much of the literature on changing labour regulation in Australia only provides a partial analysis of recent tends. In particular, it is contended that researchers have neglected issues of complexity and congruence in the regulatory structure. In this paper we define these important dimensions of labour regulations, demonstrate their importance and attempt to explain how their omission arises from the theoretical and methodological foundations of previous research. We conclude by advocating the inclusion of these concepts in future research.