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Perspective---Professional Work: The Emergence of Collaborative Community

Author

Listed:
  • Paul S. Adler

    (Department of Management and Organization, Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089)

  • Seok-Woo Kwon

    (A. Gary Anderson Graduate School of Management, University of California at Riverside, Riverside, California 92521)

  • Charles Heckscher

    (School of Management and Labor Relations, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, New Jersey 08981)

Abstract

This paper traces the main lines of evolution of the organization of professional work. The argument is illustrated with material on the case of doctors and hospitals. While market and hierarchy principles have become progressively more salient in professional work, we argue that, in parallel, the community principle has been growing more influential, too. We further argue that professional community is mutating from a Gemeinschaft , craft guild form, via Gesellschaft forms, toward a new, collaborative form. This evolution, however, is a difficult one, and the outcome is uncertain. We identify some implications for future research.

Suggested Citation

  • Paul S. Adler & Seok-Woo Kwon & Charles Heckscher, 2008. "Perspective---Professional Work: The Emergence of Collaborative Community," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 19(2), pages 359-376, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ororsc:v:19:y:2008:i:2:p:359-376
    DOI: 10.1287/orsc.1070.0293
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