The context of psychosocial factors at work in the Asia Pacific

The Asia Pacific is diverse culturally, economically, and socially. Despite being the world's most populous region where many workers experience poor working conditions and insecure employment, little attention has been given to psychosocial factors at work in the region. This chapter argues that in understanding work conditions and worker health it is important to consider influences at the international, national, state, and local levels. Moreover, within nations, power actors such as unions, governments, and corporations, legal requirements, welfare regimes, national culture, corruption, and occupational health and safety policies and guidance, are fundamental influences on work conditions and worker health in the Asia Pacific. The chapter outlines initiatives in the region to foster knowledge development processes, such as the development of the Asia Pacific Academy for Psychosocial Factors at Work. The aim of such initiatives is to address the gap in the global and local stock of knowledge, so that good policies and practices can be developed for the region. A synopsis of each chapter is given to assist navigation through the book.