People, work and organisations
Research theme
This research theme focuses on the interface between social psychological processes and organisational and work systems, and how these shape the performance and well-being of individuals, organisations and institutions.
The way we work is fundamentally changing. like ubiquitous technology, alternative work arrangements, and hyper-efficiency are revolutionising our work experiences, making it easier to share information, collaborate with others, and achieve more with less effort. At the same time, these changes can have hidden and sometimes unintended negative consequences across all aspects of people's lives, including on work-life balance and mental health.
Given that people spend most of their life at work and that work and can add value to society, researchers in this theme are working to redesign the world of work such that it enables people to make a positive difference through the work they do, without compromising well-being or productivity.
Organisations are becoming increasingly complex, more dynamic and faster changing social systems. To confront these changes, organisations need to become nimble, innovative and effective if they are to survive and thrive. 21st century organisations require therefore more flexible organisational structures, new types of leadership and new ways of managing. Our research and practice aims to help organisations and institutions navigate this difficult terrain.
We have also seen how since the Great Recession, employment conditions have changed across the world and employment risk is shifting from state and employers to citizens and employees. Labour markets have become characterised by a decline in attachment to employers, with an increase in long-term unemployment, underemployment and working poverty, and non-standard and contingent work (International Labour Organisation [ILO], 2018). Thus, people, work and organisations, face challenges that cannot be addressed with 20th century thinking.
Researchers in this theme explore the current and future challenges regarding work, employment and organisations from both a theoretical and practical perspective. We draw on theory and methods from social psychology, management, organisation studies, sociology and behavioural science to look at the processes of organising in both organisations and society.
Expertise and resources
Below you can find experts, research and media focussed on the role of current and future challenges regarding work, employment and organisations.
