The Myth of Real Work: A Case Study of Engineers Preferences and Their Job Requirements (Classic Reprint) - Softcover
Synopsis
Engineers, real engineering, and the rest of the job—uncover what really drives day-to-day work .
This book challenges the idea that purely technical problem solving defines an engineer’s role, revealing a broader mix of activities that keep projects moving and organizations functioning.
In clear, accessible prose, it shows that real engineering is only a subset of the job. Through Q-methodology and interviews, the author uncovers how engineers differ in their preferences and how interactive work—planning, communicating, coordinating—also shapes outcomes. The result is a nuanced look at how engineers, teams, and companies actually get work done.- Learn how real engineering and interactive activities fit together in daily practice.
- See why engineers may value different activities even within the same job.
- Understand how organizational rewards and professional culture shape what gets labeled “real engineering.”
- Consider implications for management, collaboration, and career choices in engineering fields.
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About the Author
LESLIE A. PERLOW is an associate professor at Harvard Business School. She received her Ph.D. from MIT
and is the author of Finding Time, published by Cornell University Press.
"From the Hardcover edition.
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The Myth of Real Work (Classic Reprint)
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Paperback. Condition: New. Print on Demand. This book explores a common phenomenon in various occupations: the existence of a perceived "real work" that is distinct from the multitude of tasks required for the job. Drawing on extensive research in the engineering field, the author argues that this distinction is often unfounded, as "real work" is typically a small subset of activities that have acquired higher status. Through interviews and analysis, the author challenges the prevailing notion that real work is the most important part of the job, highlighting that engineers spend much of their time engaged in less glamorous tasks that are still critical for the organization's functionality. The author also delves into the implications of this distinction, including employee preferences, job requirements, and the perpetuation of the myth of "real work" despite evidence to the contrary. This book offers a fresh perspective on the nature of work, challenging traditional assumptions and encouraging a more holistic understanding of the value of different job activities. This book is a reproduction of an important historical work, digitally reconstructed using state-of-the-art technology to preserve the original format. In rare cases, an imperfection in the original, such as a blemish or missing page, may be replicated in the book. print-on-demand item. Seller Inventory # 9781332446155_0
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The Myth of Real Work A Case Study of Engineers Preferences and Their Job Requirements Classic Reprint
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