166-082 Work, Management & Globalisation

Formerly available as 166-246/346. Students who have completed 166-246/346 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

Usually one subject in first-year Sociology, Political Science or related fields.

The subject provides a critical analysis of the structure and organisation of work and of managerial practice in an era of globalisation. It focuses on major contemporary issues such as the social organisation and experience of work; managerial practices in the firm; and transformations in work-related organisations. We will investigate specific topics including social relations within the workplace; the dignity of work; power and resistance in the workplace; knowledge work; experiences of race and gender in work; the emergence of new management techniques; and the influence of globalisation and technology. The subject will equip students with the ability to assess critically global transformations in the areas of work and management, with particular emphasis on the social, political and cultural dimensions of these transformations.

• be able to demonstrate critical thinking and analytic skills through research and written communication;

• be able to communicate knowledge intelligibly and economically, both orally and in writing;

• be able to display awareness and understanding of the social, ethical and cultural contexts of research and of our place as researchers.

A written response paper of 1000 words 25 (due mid-semester), a take-home test of 1000 words 25 (due mid-semester) and an essay of 2000 words 50 (due during the examination period).

A subject reader will be provided

• M Noon & P Blyton, The Realities of Work. (2nd ed) Palgrave 2002.