Final answer:
Probationary work periods are most desired by management when there is a surplus of available workers, allowing for careful evaluation of new hires and risk mitigation.
Step-by-step explanation:
“Probationary work periods” would be most desired by management when the labor market has a surplus of available workers. This situation is optimal for employers as it allows them to evaluate an employee's performance without committing to a long-term contract.
It also mitigates the risk of hiring a 'lemon,' or a subpar employee. During periods of labor surplus, there may be a higher rate of discouraged workers, who have stopped looking for employment due to the lack of suitable positions. In such a market dynamic, employers can offer probationary periods with the possibility of termination without cause and potentially lower pay during this period as a precautionary measure.
In contrast, during a recession or when there are labor shortages, employees have more bargaining power, and the use of probationary periods may be less desirable for management. Furthermore, stringent labor laws, as seen in countries like France, can influence employers’ hiring tactics and lead them to prefer probationary work periods to manage the risks associated with new hires.