Full Paper
Over the last three decades there have been significant changes in the structuring of work and workplaces. These changes have included more individualistic workplace practices in industrial relations and human resources policies together with more collective forms of work organisation such as 'team work'. Through evidence from extensive qualitative interviews I will discuss how contemporary management approaches, increasing work pressures and insecure work are influencing how individuals relate to one another, both within and beyond the workplace. I argue that while workplace practices may have become increasingly individualised, people have reacted to these changes in ways that demonstrate both individualism and a solidarity/collegiality towards their co-workers. Through rich in-depth qualitative research from extensive interviews with people working in both private and public sector workplaces , I will highlight the complex and contradictory ways in which people react to changes over which they have little control.