The rate of economic change in East Asia over the past two decades has been astounding. High levels of growth have been experienced by a number of the region’s developing economies, centralized systems have developed large market sectors, Japan has suffered a prolonged downturn and the 1997 crisis plunged the region into economic turmoil.

This volume presents an in-depth analysis of the effects of these changes on employment in the region. Chapters are devoted to market restructuring in China and Vietnam, the Asian crisis and recovery, and Japan’s business doldrums. The unique case of Malaysia – one regional economy that needs to import workers – is also brought into play, as is the example of high-tech Taiwan. Underpinning these case studies is a common theoretical framework and a strong structure for understanding.

With its solid research the book focuses on a relatively unexplored aspect of one of the world’s most dynamic economic regions.

Reviews

'A particular strength of the book lies in its effective overview of the development context and growth approaches of the economies considered:the result of contributions from experts who often draw on original data and fieldwork.' - Asian Pacific Economic Literature. Volume 20, Issue 2

'The editors and contributors have given us a worthwhile text that grants insights into labour markets in Asia during an interesting period of globalisation and structual change.' - Pembroke College, University of Oxford

Contents

1. Unemployment in Asia: Influences and Issues John Benson and Ying Zhu 2. Globalisation and Unemployment: East Asia and the OECD Michael Webber 3. Unemployment in Japan: Globalisation, Restructuring and Social Change John Benson 4. Unemployment and Labour Markets in South Korea: Globalisation, Social Impacts and Policy Responses Chris Rowley, Kil-Sang Yoo and Dong-Heon Kim 5. Unemployment in Taiwan: Globalisation, Regional Integration and Socies Ying Zhu 6. Unemployment in the People's Republic of China Grace Lee and Malcom Warner 7. The Impact of Economic Reforms on Unemployment in Indonesia Poppy Ismalina and Sari Sitalaksmi 8. Malaysia: Unemployment in the Midst of Full Employment Ragayah Haji Mat Zin and Wendy Smith 9. Unemployment in Thailand: Social Issues, Challenges and Opportunities Vimolwan Yukongdi 10. Unemployment in Vietnam during Economic Reform Ngan Collins 11. Unemployment in Asia: Implications of Globalisation, Regional Integration, and Social and Economic Transformation Ying Zhu and John Benson

Author Bio

John Benson is Associate Professor, Department of Management, University of Melbourne.

Ying Zhu teaches International Human Resource Management for the Department of Management, University of Melbourne.