Description
Book SynopsisThis book offers a systematic approach not only to understanding workplace change, but alternative models and practical steps that can be taken to create change.
Trade ReviewFinkelstein’s Net-Works: Workplace Change in the Global Economy: A Critical and Practical Guide offers a unique perspective on, and adds a rare proposition to, the discussion of how the global economy impacts the American workplace: He proposes that we indeed have control over how that process unfolds and influences our work environment … Finkelstein more than achieves his goal … it is rare to find a book that promises as much practical value as Net-Works. -- Marjukka Ollilainen, Weber State University
It is rare to find a book that promises as much practical calue as Net-Works. In fact, it may dind its greatests impact off-campus, in workplace training that often favors the less critical management approaches. It is high time sociology as a critical perspective made itself accessible and applicable to those "students" who also are in a position to translate their nely-gained insights into workplace action. For that end, Net-Works provides and excellent starting point. * Teaching Sociology *
This is a well-conceived and well-written book. It is clearly written and reflects considerable expertise. It makes an important scholarly contribution to sociology as a whole and to several subfields, principally formal organizations, the sociology of work and occupations, and social and cultural change. Its two chief assets are (1) the manner in which a large amount of relevant material is brought together and organized and (2) its emphasis on application. Together, these make it a unique contribution.The author is an applied sociologist, which is both commendable and obvious from his approach. Also noteworthy is the manner in which the author integrates the narrative on the nature of work and workplace change with basic sociological principles and with the field's theoretical foundations?both classic (Weber, Durkheim, etc.) and contemporary (Zuboff, Ritzer, etc.). Another key feature is the author's skillful use of material on globalization to elucidate industrial trends, and industrial change to explain the globalization process. -- Jay Weinstein, Eastern Michigan University * Journal of Applied Sociology *
This is a well-conceived and well-written book. It is clearly written and reflects considerable expertise. It makes an important scholarly contribution to sociology as a whole and to several subfields, principally formal organizations, the sociology of work and occupations, and social and cultural change. Its two chief assets are (1) the manner in which a large amount of relevant material is brought together and organized and (2) its emphasis on application. Together, these make it a unique contribution. The author is an applied sociologist, which is both commendable and obvious from his approach. Also noteworthy is the manner in which the author integrates the narrative on the nature of work and workplace change with basic sociological principles and with the field's theoretical foundations—both classic (Weber, Durkheim, etc.) and contemporary (Zuboff, Ritzer, etc.). Another key feature is the author's skillful use of material on globalization to elucidate industrial trends, and industrial change to explain the globalization process. -- Jay Weinstein, Eastern Michigan University * Journal of Applied Sociology *
Table of ContentsChapter 1 The Workplace is Socially Constructed Chapter 2 You and Your Workplace Chapter 3 Culture Can Make Your Dreams Come True Chapter 4 Teamwork Trumps Individualism at Work Chapter 5 Diversity Defines the Workplace 6 Technology: The Gift of Fire Chapter 7 Labor Management Cooperation and the New Labor Relations Chapter 8 Work and Family in the Global Community Chapter 9 Guideposts for Workplace Change
