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Why Work? A Culturally Informed Critique of Past and Present Shop Floor Interpretations of Work

Author

Listed:
  • Mihaela Kelemen

    (Keele School of Management, Staffordshire, UK)

  • Dirk Bunzel

    (University of Oulu, Finland)

  • Paul Willis

    (Keele School of Management, Staffordshire, UK)

Abstract

This paper provides a cultural critique of the meanings of work as they transcend different modes of production. Twenty years on from the collapse of state socialism, Western experts are still called upon to prescribe ‘the best way’ for how productive work should be conducted/managed across the non-Western world (Jankowicz, 1993; 1994; Kostera, 1995, Kelemen, 1999). This ‘one best way’ usually assumes that the basic unit of analysis is the rational, utility-maximising individual; a species, bred inside Westernized secondary and tertiary educational institutions, business schools, or (vocational) training courses, all of these producing their special form of ‘learning to labour’ (Willis, 1977). Thus equipped, this species – what we might call, for the time being, the ‘model-worker’ - is bound to inhabit a rather inhabitable place, an arena of in increasingly global capitalism: the market.

Suggested Citation

  • Mihaela Kelemen & Dirk Bunzel & Paul Willis, 2009. "Why Work? A Culturally Informed Critique of Past and Present Shop Floor Interpretations of Work," Annals of the University of Petrosani, Economics, University of Petrosani, Romania, vol. 9(4), pages 27-36.
    • Handle: RePEc:pet:annals:v:9:i:4:y:2009:p:27-36
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Bunzel, Dirk & Clegg, Stewart & Teal, Greg, 2002. "Disciplining Customers at the Grand Seaside Hotel," Journal of Management & Organization, Cambridge University Press, vol. 8(2), pages 1-13, January.
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