A cross-sector comparison of using nonstandard workers: Explaining use and impacts on the employment relationship

Although the use of nonstandard workers is an irreversible trend, academic literature in public administration is scarce. By using the National Organizations Survey 2002 data set, the authors tested models of reasons and effects of using nonstandard workers. The authors found that (a) organizational hierarchy, the provision of fringe benefits, and employee unionization are important predictors of the use of nonstandard workers; (b) the use of nonstandard workers deteriorates employment relationships and employees' trust; (c) using agency temporaries and contract workers in the private sector and independent contractors in the public sector generate the largest negative impacts. Managers' attention to job-related factors is important to ameliorate potentially negative effects. © 2009 SAGE Publications.