This is a legacy site. This website presents information on projects that were completed by CPOW. The new CPOW website is currently under development
CPOW addresses inequalities in the world of work to create sustainable, fair and decent work for all.
Who we are — the Centre for People, Organisation and Work (CPOW) is an interdisciplinary centre located in RMIT’s College of Business and Law. CPOW is a lively collaboration between passionate and engaged researchers committed to social justice. Our community of researchers use a range of critical conceptual frameworks and methods in analysing contemporary problems in the world of work.
What we do — Our research agenda is based on principles of fairness, equality (especially gender equality), sustainability and social justice. It is worker-centred and focuses on people at work and in their communities, particularly those who are vulnerable and marginalised. Our current research is organised around four main themes in the world of work:
How we do it — Our research and engagement is focused on identifying the conditions for fairness and equality at work, amplifying the voices of those undertaking work and their collective organisations. We investigate key issues in the world of work through rigorous, interdisciplinary analyses of empirical evidence, in partnership with communities, governments and industry. We proactively participate in public and policy debates and develop grounded interventions for better social and economic futures.

Our research is also committed to responding to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and is directly aligned with six key goals: Good Health & Wellbeing (3), Gender Equality (5), Decent Work & Economic Growth (8), Reduced Inequalities (10), Sustainable Cities & Communities (11), and Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions (16).