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1 – 9 of 9Tuija Koivunen, Pasi Pyöriä and Tiina Saari
Although the number of blue-collar industrial workers has been declining, manufacturing jobs continue to have considerable importance, even in technologically advanced economies…
Abstract
Purpose
Although the number of blue-collar industrial workers has been declining, manufacturing jobs continue to have considerable importance, even in technologically advanced economies. This study gives a voice to this often-overlooked group of workers, focusing on the Finnish vehicle industry.
Design/methodology/approach
The study assessed how manual workers in automotive manufacturing describe their job pride and how their accounts were related to conceptualizations of work orientation. The data included semi-structured interviews and an open-ended survey question on situations in which the respondents had felt proud of their work. The data were analysed using thematic analysis.
Findings
According to the results, the respondents had a high level of job pride in general, but the meaning given to this attitude varied considerably, depending on the situation. The study participants' work orientation was a mixture of instrumental and intrinsic traits. However, there were also respondents who did not experience job pride or who had lost it because of the work circumstances.
Originality/value
Relatively little research has assessed the importance of job pride in the context of industrial manufacturing. Recognizing job pride in its variety is crucial information for employers who aim to develop working conditions and employee retention.
Details
Keywords
To identify and critically assess the most recurrent themes in the ongoing debate on knowledge work.
Abstract
Purpose
To identify and critically assess the most recurrent themes in the ongoing debate on knowledge work.
Design/methodology/approach
A representative selection of studies published since 1962 is reviewed. The review focuses on the theoretical strengths and limitations of the concept of knowledge work.
Findings
The review indicates that definitions of knowledge work abound. Although knowledge work has attracted scholarly minds for several decades and the number of publications in this area has rapidly increased in recent years, it has proved hard to come by a clear and concise definition of this term. However, certain themes, such as a high level of education and skills and the use of information technology as an integral part of the informational labour process, have become increasingly common to both the empirical and the theoretical literature.
Originality/value
The paper helps pave the way for more detailed research by providing an ideal‐typical profile of informational labour.
Details
Keywords
The purpose of this paper is to serve as a reminder that all work arrangements, including the present case of distributed work, have their costs and benefits.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to serve as a reminder that all work arrangements, including the present case of distributed work, have their costs and benefits.
Design/methodology/approach
In addition to a literature review, the paper presents concrete recommendations and guidelines for practicing managers about how to avoid pitfalls in distributed work arrangements and how to manage teleworkers.
Findings
The diffusion of telework has been a slower process than anticipated, among other reasons because the most vital businesses are largely concentrated in the biggest growth centres. Growth centres can offer a diverse range of both jobs and amenities that outweigh the quiet and safety of rural areas. Apart from geographical realities and regional policy issues, another factor that has decisively contributed to the slow diffusion of telework is the absence of an established contractual framework and “culture” of teleworking.
Originality/value
Telework has the best prospects of success if from the outset all the people involved know what to expect and are prepared to deal with any problems and fears associated with the new work culture. It is also important that distributed work arrangements are designed in compliance with national labour legislation. To avoid potential risks, a part‐time telework arrangement is advisable for most organizations.
Details
Keywords
This paper aims to serve as a reminder that all work arrangements, including the present case of distributed work, have their costs and benefits.
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to serve as a reminder that all work arrangements, including the present case of distributed work, have their costs and benefits.
Design/methodology/approach
In addition to a literature review, the paper presents empirical evidence from two case organizations in the field of technology industries and knowledge‐intensive business services.
Findings
In contrast to common assertions in the theoretical literature, distributed work is not always an outcome of technological advancement or a proactive choice blessed by management, but often a necessity dictated by the competition or customers. In the case companies here, a distributed organizational structure was recognized as a necessary compromise, although the associated costs gave cause for some concern. Rather than virtual cooperation, the knowledge workers interviewed valued opportunities for face‐to‐face interaction and informal contact and networking. Nonetheless the benefits of distributed work were thought to outweigh its potential costs.
Originality/value
Regionally distributed work involves many similar problems as traditional telework from home. To avoid potential risks, partial work distribution is advisable to most organizations.
Details
Keywords
The paper aims to serve as a reminder of the fact that creating a strong atmosphere of trust and longevity in employee relations is ultimately the most robust route to maintaining…
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to serve as a reminder of the fact that creating a strong atmosphere of trust and longevity in employee relations is ultimately the most robust route to maintaining a sustainable competitive edge.
Design/methodology/approach
In addition to a literature review, empirical evidence is drawn from qualitative interview data. The research setting covers five distinct business organizations representing technology industries and knowledge‐intensive business services.
Findings
The paper indicates that even in knowledge‐intensive firms a good team spirit and skilful management remain more important than the use of the latest technology. Furthermore, it is maintained that the role of information technology in supporting the decision‐making process in knowledge work is often very much overemphasized. However, modern information technology continues the long trend of the automation and mechanization of work and, if used properly, it can indirectly contribute to creating more space for interpersonal interaction by eliminating routine work.
Originality/value
The paper encourages practical managers to focus more on people than on technology.
Details
Keywords
The paper aims to serve as a reminder of the fact that informal organizational culture remains the foundation of healthy and productive work environments.
Abstract
Purpose
The paper aims to serve as a reminder of the fact that informal organizational culture remains the foundation of healthy and productive work environments.
Design/methodology/approach
First, Elton Mayo's classic contribution to organization studies is brought to the reader's attention. Mayo was among the first scholars to assess empirically the importance of teamworking. Second, more recent studies are reviewed. The review highlights the value of collaborative problem solving among knowledge workers, i.e. experts whose job requires a high level of formal education, symbolic skills and the use of information technology (IT) in supporting their decision‐making process.
Findings
The review indicates that, contrary to an all‐too‐common belief, IT bears little direct relevance to knowledge workers' performance. However, if used properly, it can indirectly contribute to creating more space for interpersonal interaction by eliminating routine communication. In its essence, modern IT simply continues the long trend of the automation and mechanization of work.
Originality/value
The review suggests that existing knowledge about human behavior is far less than adequately applied. Therefore, the paper encourages managers to pay less attention to the latest technology and more attention to human relations.
Details