Sociology, Work and Industry: Fifth edition - Hardcover

Watson, Tony

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0415321654 ISBN 13: 9780415321655

Publisher: Routledge, 2003

Synopsis

In the fourth edition of this successful and popular text, Tony Watson explains how the discipline of sociology contributes to our wider understanding of the variety of work practices and institutions, which exist in modern society. The new edition outlines both what has been achieved historically and what is currently being achieved by the sociological study of work, as well presenting a range of concepts, models and other theoretical ideas that students and researchers can apply to the study of work. Subjects covered include:

* how working patterns have changed, and continued to change since the industrial revolution
* work organizations
* innovations in the structuring of work activities at the enterprise level
* the occupational aspects of the organization of work in changing societies
* how people experience and cope with the pressures, insecurities and inequalities of a restructured world of work
* how challenge and resistance influence the shaping of work in an ever-changing world.

Fully updated throughout, this book includes an all-new chapter on the distinctiveness of the sociological perspective along with guidance on the research and analysis of work. It will be essential reading for anybody studying the sociology of work and organizations.

About this title

About the Author:

Tony Watson is Professor of Organisational Behaviour in the Nottingham University Business School, University of Nottingham.

Review:

"As a young researcher exploring shopfloor dynamics in the early 1980s, the first edition of this book was an invaluable source of ideas. In the intervening years, Tony Watson has continued to improve his analysis of the multi-facetted, changing and contradictory nature of work and organizations. This excellent updated edition provides a lucid theoretical overview and numerous contemporary examples. As an introductory text, this book is still very hard to beat." – David Collinson, Professor of Leadership and Organisation, National Research Director for The Learning and Skills Improvement Service, Founding Co-Editor of 'Leadership', Lancaster University Management School, Lancaster, UK

"Tony Watson's book has been the best book around for students of the sociology of work and industry. This fifth edition consolidates its position. Not only has he updated much of the material that has previously been covered, but with this new edition new areas and developments have been included. The best has got better!" – Alan Bryman, Head of School, Professor of Organisational and Social Research, University of Leicester, UK

"Who better to guide us through the complexities of work and organization in contemporary society than Tony Watson? And to do so in ways that examine, explain and put to use key theoretical concepts and resources. This latest edition continues to demonstrate the breadth, depth and insight that have made this book so popular with both teachers and students." – Rick Delbridge, Professor, Chair in Organizational Analysis and Senior Fellow of the ESRC/EPSRC Advanced Institute of Management Research, Cardiff Business School, UK

"I have used Sociology, Work and Industry as a core text for Business and Management students over the last decade. It is a rare book as it combines both theoretical insights and considerable academic scholarship with a lightness of touch which renders it accessible for both Undergraduate and Postgraduate students." – Darren McCabe, Professor of Organisational Analysis, Keele Management School, UK

"Tony Watson’s Sociology, Work and Industry is a long-standing classic in the field.  This new edition draws the reader in, with the elegantly constructed, and now louder, authorial voice pointing out how the sociological imagination can allow us to see the contemporary workplace afresh.  Up-to-date and well-informed, this new edition is particularly impressive in the way that it helps the reader look across debates to see connections and commonalities.  The book will be eagerly recommended by lecturers and well-received by students." – Marek Korczynski, Professor of Sociology of Work, Loughborough University, UK

"This nicely crafted textbook by one of the leading and most experienced scholars of sociology of work and organizations provides an excellent coverage of the entire field, combining a historical perspective with a strong awareness of contemporary developments in working life and theory." – Mats Alvesson, Professor of Business/Management; Sociology Lund University, Sweden

About this edition

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2003
• ISBN 10: 0415321654
• ISBN 13: 9780415321655
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 4
• Number of pages: 328