Question

Define labour. Explain four important characteristic of labour.

Answer 1

Definition of labour - "Any exertion of mind or body undergone partly or wholly with a view to some good other than the pleasure derived directly from the work is called labour." - Marshall.

Characteristics of Labour :

(i) The labourer sells his services (labour) only - A labourer (worker) sells his services only and not himself. A labourer may or may not agree to do a work. The 'labour' factor comes into consideration when he agrees to offers his services on certain terms and conditions.
(ii) Labour is highly perishable - If a labourer does not work for a day, his one day's output will be lost forever. As such the labourer (worker) agrees to work even at a low wage when he feels that his labour is likely to be wasted. Because of this peculiarity, the labourer does not have the same bargaining power similar to his employer.
(iii) Human factor - Labour is human factor. Hence, several human considerations are to be kept in mind while dealing with the labour, such as moral incentives, family background etc.
(iv) Labour is less mobile - The mobility of labour is not so easy. Even the most remunerative employment opportunities do not attract many trained personnel from other countries. This is due to the labourers sentimental attachments to his home and surroundings. The problems of language, differences in living habits and social customs, etc. are some other important factors affecting mobility of labour.