An exploration of the professional contractual (non-employment) tripartite relationship (CTR)

The structure of modern employment continues to evolve with substantial growth occurring in contractual tripartite relationships. In this thesis there is an exploration of the contractual (non-employment) tripartite relationship between employment agents, hosts and technical white-collar contractors in Australia's mining, technical, consulting and construction sectors. In this thesis the challenges associated with managing the tripartite relationship are investigated using the theoretical lenses of agency, psychological contract, and power to examine the perspectives of the three groups within the relationship. The findings reveal confusion regarding the roles and incumbent responsibilities of the agents, hosts, and contractors. All three groups are uncertain as to which of them is responsible for the contractor in this complicated three-way relationship. Implications and recommendations for future research and practice changes are noted.