Description
Book SynopsisProfessional Work: A Sociological Approach is an introduction examining recent trends in the world of professional work. Authors Kevin Leicht and Mary Fennell review the history and theory of managerial and professional work, and then describe specific contemporary changes in professions and work-settings.
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- Provides overview of recent organizational changes in the workplace.
- Analyzes current history and theory of managerial and professional work.
- Includes definitions of key terms, original tables and figures.
Trade Review"Managerial prerogatives are expanding while professionals find their autonomy and sphere of discretion shrinking. That is the provocative thesis of this thoughtfully crafted and carefully documented analysis of the dynamics of elite occupations and the changing nature of the workplace. Leicht and Fennell's volume is an impressive and innovative contribution to both the sociology of work and social stratification."
W. Richard Scott, Stanford University "The idea that managers and professionals are exchanging places is a novel way of thinking about the changes that are occurring in the division of labor in elite occupations and the shift toward less bureaucratized organizations." Arne L. Kalleberg, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
"This book does a good job integrating organizational theory and arguing for a new interpretation of the nature of work in elite occupations. It should be particularly valuable to those who study organizations, work, and social inequality." Choice
"Professional Work, organized into nine chapters, provides an instructive historical and theoretical overview of managerial and professional work. [...] this book is thoughtful and creative in its use of existing data sources" Kevin D. Henson, University of Chicago, Contemporary Sociology 31, 5
Table of ContentsList of Figures.
List of Tables.
Acknowledgements.
1. Professional and Managerial Work in the 21st Century.
2. Conceptual Background: The Expert Division of Labor and Professional Work.
3. Managers and Managerial Work in the 20th Century.
4. The Neoentrepreneurial Workplace.
5. Theoretical Models of Professional Work.
6. Change in the Organizational Context of Managerial and Professional Work.
7. Interest Diversity and Demographic Diversity Among Professionals.
8. Organizations as Vehicles for Producing Stratification Among Professionals.
9. Conclusion: The Rise of the Postorganizational Workplace.
Additional Readings on Professions.
References.
Index.
