Bringing Work Back In

Stephen R. Barley () and Gideon Kunda
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Stephen R. Barley: Department of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management, Center for Work, Technology and Organization, Stanford University, Stanford, California 94305
Gideon Kunda: Department of Labor Studies, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel 47217

Organization Science, 2001, vol. 12, issue 1, 76-95

Abstract: In this essay we argue that organization theory's effort to make sense of postbureaucratic organizing is hampered by a dearth of detailed studies of work. We review the history of organization theory to show that, in the past, studies of work provided an empirical foundation for theories of bureaucracy, and explain how such research became marginalized or ignored. We then discuss methodological requirements for reintegrating work studies into organization theory and indicate what the conceptual payoffs of such integration might be. These payoffs include breaking new conceptual ground, resolving theoretical puzzles, envisioning organizing processes, and revitalizing old concepts.

Keywords: Work; Organization Theory; Field Methods; Networks; Action; Grounded Theory (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2001
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Citations: View citations in EconPapers (91)

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