Scientific-Theoretical Approaches to Assessing Types of Employment Based on Quality Characteristics

Abstract

This paper examines the concept and significance of productive employment as a fundamental factor in socio-economic development and poverty reduction. In countries where labor income constitutes the main source of household income, promoting full, decent, and efficient employment becomes a central policy objective. The study analyzes various theoretical perspectives on employment, with a focus on qualitative characteristics and indicators categorized by workplace, employee, and overall employment level. Drawing from international organization frameworks, the paper systematizes employment quality metrics and explores their interpretation in global and national contexts, particularly Uzbekistan. It highlights the importance of aligning labor policy with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and emphasizes the role of productive employment in meeting these objectives. The research also compares productive employment with other forms such as underemployment, vulnerable, rational, and full employment, identifying key advantages of the former. It concludes that productive employment not only ensures decent working conditions and income above the poverty line, but also supports the optimal use of human resources. Despite its importance, the paper notes that productive employment is often misinterpreted or inadequately addressed in policy and literature. Therefore, it calls for a more structured, scientifically grounded approach to employment policy, including better integration of economic and social indicators to reduce poverty and increase labor market efficiency.