THE ROLE OF WORK ORGANISATION IN INCREASING LATVIAS COMPETITIVENESS AND STRENGTHENING ITS KNOWLEDGE-BASED SOCIETY

Rapid changes in financial markets proved that Latvia's economy was unable to adapt in a timely way to globalisation, to avoid the risks it created, and to take advantage of the open economy. A drop in the GDP and an increase in unemployment signal the need to pay attention to structural changes in the national economy. In order to understand the opportunities for change, the author analyses work organisation by assuming that changes in work organisation could help to overcome the economic downturn and increase labour productivity. The section on how work organisation can contribute to increasing Latvia's competitiveness and strengthening its knowledge-based society focuses on the most significant forecasts regarding economic development in Latvia and the degree to which these forecasts correspond to the current work organisation and to opportunities provided by the cooperation of social partners. This assessment is performed on the basis of studies conducted in the European Union, and it analyses the opportunities and limits of Latvia's competitiveness. Aspects of Taylorism and modern work organisation are also analysed in order to understand changes in work organisation. Types of work organisation are assessed from the perspective of different sectors. The article also assesses the role of social partners in sector management, describes opportunities and makes recommendations for improving work organisation and strengthening social partnerships.