Routledge Human Development and Working Life: Work for Welfare

Product Description Human Development and Working Life - Work for Welfare explores whether the development of human resources at company level can improve individuals' quality of life, company's possibilities of development, and welfare and democracy in society. The book refers to cases where attempts have been made to improve quality of working life and competitiveness of the company. Possibilities and hindrances to combine social improvements and competition in the development of human resources are discussed. During the last 10 years most European countries have increased investments in the development of human resources at work as a vehicle for social development. The public investment in training, rehabilitation and support for innovation has increased; and at the same time the labour market has been deregulated to remove obstacles for flexibility and business development. The aim of the book is to promote knowledge about how to integrate social development and flexibility at the company level. Review 'This is a vital book for work environment research, social policy, labor, human relations, or organizational development. It is a "how-to" manual for practitioner's interested in understanding the changes in processes, values, and well-being occurring in changing workplaces, and how to master them to place human well-being first.' Professor Robert Karasek, University of Massachusetts Lowell, USA 'This book is an important, timely contribution to that fundamental consideration: the development of human resources in working life. The contributors explore in a wide range of settings whether or not ongoing initiatives contribute positively to the individual worker's development, to the company and to society at large. In so doing, they identify the pre-conditions which must be present and satisfied in order to actualise significant improvements.' Professor Thomas G. Whiston, University of Sussex, UK. About the Author Helge Hvid is Associate Professor within the Department of Environment, Technology and Social Studies at Roskilde University, Denmark. Peter Hasle is Associate Professor within the Department of Manufacturing Engineering and Management at the Technical University of Denmark.