Abstract
This article explores the meaning of the decent work concept as applied in industrialized countries, developing countries and transition economies. After a brief discussion of the uses and limitations of indicators in these environments, the author considers more closely the suitability of indicators applied to the four major components of decent work: employment, social protection, workers' rights and social dialogue. In the process, he brings out the ILO's long-established and continuing concern with these issues, identifying relevant ILO instruments. Finally, he presents an index to measure decent work performance by 22 industrialized countries, and the results obtained.