The future of work: A guide to a changing society - Softcover

Handy, Charles B

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9780631142782: The future of work: A guide to a changing society

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0631142789 ISBN 13: 9780631142782

Publisher: B. Blackwell, 1984

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In this work, Charles Handy, author of "Gods and Management" and "Understanding Organizations" presents two scenarios for the future. In one, full-time employment remains essential to the economy, the individual's self-esteem and social life, and as a means of social control. The result? A bitterly divided society in which the top 30% of the population in formal employment forms a rich top layer. Poverty will increase, social instability will grow. In this scenario, Britain could veer towards becoming a police state. But the feature of this book is the positive and possible alternative scenario Handy presents. This is no less than a sweeping reform of education, pensions, taxation and the unions - and a psychological re-evaluation of what work means. His plans for progress and survival include a state subsistence wage for everyone over sixteen, a formal working life of only twenty-five years (from 25-50, for example), increased voluntary and community work, more free-lance work and a wider domestic life.

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About the Author:

Charles Handy is a visiting Professor at the London Business School, a writer, teacher, broadcaster and consultant. He has been an oil executive, an economist, a full-time academic and, most recently, the warden of St George's House, Windsor Castle. He has written the best-selling Understanding Organizations as well as the popular Gods of Management. He has participated in many top executive conferences on the future of work and, as an advisor to businesses, voluntary organizations and schools, has tried to prepare people for the kind of future he foresees. He speaks from experience, having recently exchanged a job and an office for a personal portfolio of all types of work, cantred on his home and family in London.

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