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Bringing Work Back In

Item

Title

Bringing Work Back In

Abstract/Description

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.

Date

In publication

Volume

12

Issue

1

Pages

76-95

Resource type

Background/Context

Medium

Print

Background/context type

Conceptual

Open access/free-text available

Yes

Peer reviewed

Yes

ISSN

1047-7039

Citation

Barley, S. R., & Kunda, G. (2001). Bringing Work Back In. Organization Science, 12(1), 76–95. https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.12.1.76.10122

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