Multi‐skilling: A Discussion of Proposed Benefits of New Approaches to Labour Flexibility within Enterprises

Using current Australian experience as a reference point, the costs and benefits of multi‐skilling are critically analysed. First, an attempt is made to identify key organisational elements involved in programmes of multi‐skilling at enterprise level. Secondly, some of the proposed benefits and possible costs associated with such developments are identified and discussed. Finally, some suggestions for future research and practice in the area are raised.