The Work of Understanding The ‘Future of Work’
In this article, co-authors Pedro Monteiro, Davide Nicolini, Ingrid Erickson, Lisa Cohen, Gina Dokko, Greetje Corporaal, Arvind Karunakaran, Beth Bechky, and Siobhan O’Mahony provide an overview of their academic article, “Beyond the Buzz: Scholarly Approaches to the Study of Work,” published in the Journal of Management Inquiry.
The nature of work is changing rapidly, driven by social and technological transformations. Amidst these shifts, there is a growing debate about work and its future in popular and academic conversations. Yet, understanding these changes requires more than just following current trends and buzzwords; it requires leveraging and integrating scholarly traditions that have long studied work in all its richness.
In this collection, inspired by a workshop at the Academy of Management’s 2022 Annual Meeting, we gather insights from leading experts to explore various scholarly approaches to the study of work.
Why Revisit Old Traditions?
The imperative to revisit established scholarly traditions stems from their enduring relevance. Despite technological advancements and new organizational forms, the core issues surrounding work—its organization, execution, and implications—remain remarkably consistent. Drawing from these historical perspectives prevents us from falling into the trap of “goldfish memory,” so common in organization theory and management, where the past lessons are ignored in the face of new developments.
Our discussion includes seven contributions that provide a comprehensive view of current knowledge and open new avenues for exploration. These contributions cover various aspects of work studies, from group and occupational dynamics to the foundational elements of work and long-term career trajectories.
Work and the Systems Surrounding it
Davide Nicolini revisits the socio-technical systems approach developed by the Tavistock Institute while Ingrid Ericsson examines presents the Computer Supported Cooperative Work tradition (CSCW). Together, these contributions show the promises of thinking of work from a systems perspective and attending to the alignments and misalignments of its components—which may make some work more or less visible than others.
Tasks and Careers: Zooming In and Out on Work
Lisa Cohen and Gina Dokko offer insights into the micro and macro aspects of work. Cohen advocates for a focus on tasks, the most elementary units of work, while Dokko connects work experiences with broader career trajectories, illustrating how job contexts shape and are shaped by long-term career paths.
The Broader Ecology of Work
Arvind Karunakaran and Greetje Corporaal broaden our perspective by examining external factors that influence work. Karunakaran discusses how governmental and informal classifications impact the value and recognition of different types of work. Corporaal cautions against overemphasizing algorithms in changing work dynamics, urging a nuanced understanding of the broader context and actors involved.
Reflecting on the Future
In the concluding piece, Bechky and O’Mahony reflect on what is genuinely new in the study of work. They emphasize the importance of integrating insights from extant scholarship with contemporary research to navigate ongoing transformations and develop robust theories and practices.
Our goal with this curated discussion is to expand our horizons and deepen our understanding of work’s complexities. By building on the scholarly labor of our predecessors, we can better grasp today’s work environment and prepare for future challenges.
