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Flexibility Issues

Fordism. Labour Process theoryMcDonaldizationCall Centre WorkEmotional LabourAll focussed on the imposition of discipline and order in the workplace. Post-Fordism. Is modernity now old-fashioned?Has work moved into new and uncertain times?The relevance of Sociological theory. Postmoderni

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Flexibility Issues

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    1. Flexibility Issues Modernity and Order at work Fordism and Post-Fordism Modernity and Postmodernity Risk Society The Limits of Rationality: 1980’s recession: ‘stagflation’ Forms of Flexible Labour Strategies Flexible Labour markets: risk-shifting pt.1 Flexible Capital markets: risk-shifting pt.2 Problems and issues

    2. Fordism Labour Process theory McDonaldization Call Centre Work Emotional Labour All focussed on the imposition of discipline and order in the workplace

    3. Post-Fordism Is modernity now old-fashioned? Has work moved into new and uncertain times? The relevance of Sociological theory

    4. Postmodernism There has been a decisive break with the order, rationality and faith in progress of modernism as exemplified in the grand theories of classical Sociology This has been replaced by temporary, situated, mini-narratives to reflect the fragmented and fragile nature of social reality (Baudrillard, Lyotard etc)

    5. Risk Society We live in uncertain and dangerous times due to the development of reflexive modernity. In solving problems modernity creates new and more intractable problems The future becomes increasingly unpredictable leading to the adoption of risk-shifting strategies. The focus of the late modern economy is on the distribution of bads (Beck, Giddens) This has led to crises of legitimacy and authority

    6. Forms of Flexibility Numerical – controls labour supply via part-time, agency, temporary, sub-contract employment Functional – controls work allocation via multi-skilling, multi-tasking, abolition of demarcation/ job titles Cost- (1+2) or controls supply/material costs via multi-sourcing, out-sourcing, privatisation, CCT

    7. The Crisis of Economic Planning Mid 1970’s oil crisis triggered the ‘impossible’ condition of stagflation Loss of confidence in the stability and predictability of markets Emphasis of corporate strategy switched from market control to risk shifting Monetarism

    8. Flexible Labour Markets Core – Labour that is engaged on central operations of the organisation as these are defined by senior management Primary Periphery – Labour that provides profession/skilled services for which there is only occasional need Secondary Periphery – Labour that is engaged on routine tasks, especially where these can be separated from core operations (hireable and fireable)

    9. Distanced Organisations Simple Primary - capital rich, contract distributing Secondary - dependent, contract-seeking Complex ‘primary’ ‘secondary’ status is situational depending on the particular contractual relationship

    10. Flexibility Issues and Debates Does it exist? – Is it an extension of Fordism Long-term strategy or ad hoc response? – was it (an unthinking) response to an unexpected crisis; a self-fulfilling prophecy Is it new – re the history of early industrialisation? Does it matter – does it affect basic issues concerning the distribution and exercise of control?

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