Is the left hand speaking to the right hand? An examination and evaluation of the mechanisms and controls governing the decision to employ, and to continue to employ, temporary or contingent workers within a London based financial services organisation

Abstract

This study examines and evaluates the mechanisms and controls that govern the decision to employ, and to continue to employ, temporary workers within a London based financial services organisation. This is achieved by examining a number of differing organisational aspects – namely with respect to controls surrounding the decision to engage in, and extend temporary employment assignments, and monitor performance of temporary workers.

It finds that controls and mechanisms are generally weak and as a direct consequence ineffective in supporting business strategy to employ permanent workers where possible, and in enhancing temporary worker performance. Best practise recommendations are made to encourage more robust and effective controls and mechanisms designed for leveraging human capital as a competitive advantage.