An Exploration of the Well-being of Resort Workers in Fiji: Applying Sen's 'Capability Approach' to Well-being

Abstract

While the majority of a group of 21 resort workers are achieving a decent standard of well-being, they are not achieving many fundamental aspects of well-being, retarded by structures in the working environment. These structures include hotel practices, government practices and national legislation. A study of foreign-owned resorts in Fiji explored worker well-being and, as a secondary aim, used Amartya Sen's capability approach as a tool for assessing that well-being. The capability approach was applied in a qualitative and informal manner. The application of the capability approach created was relevant and able to produce rich findings on well-being and the structures affecting it, however problems with usability were encountered, especially in regards to posing questions about value.