The Future of Work: The Promise of the New Digital Work Society

A thoughtful, reflective book which provides a good strategic overview of the impact of technology on the future of work and technology. The chapter on communities is particularly good.

The Future of Work by Charles Grantham is a book that gives us a well-researched and comprehensive vision of the implications of technology for the evolution of self, society and the workplace -- a vision we really want to be true."The new world of work," says Grantham, "is one in which people voluntarily come together and find e ach other as workmates based on a common personal philosophy, social attitudes and shared behaviors. This is the collaborative workspace. This is a work space that is enabled by our new technologies and by people's desires to work with others with whom they share more commonalities than differences."Grantham describes three new forms of the emerging work organization. From 1989-1992 we had "teleworkers." The emphasis was placed on the individual contributor. The commerce model, "manufacturing;" the type of interaction "work flow;" the social metaphor "coordination;" the sports metaphor "baseball." Then, from 1993-1997 we had "virtuality." The emphasis was on technology and the project team, the type of interaction "connectivity;" the social metaphor "cooperation;" the sports metaphor "football." From 1998 to 2004 Grantham predicts that we will be in the age of "Hollywood" type organizations. The emphasis will be placed on the organization, on teams of teams. The type of interaction "community." The social metaphor "collaboration." The sports metaphor "basketball." Grantham's vision is undeniably positive and hopeful. And what makes reading this book so valuable is that the vision turns out to be based, not on hope, but on actuality. In his case study of VIA International, he concludes: "VIA is what the workplace of the future can be. It's collaborative; it's about community; it's very respectful of all its people; and it is led by people with a clear vision of the future, a sincere desire to serve their customers, and a wish to foster the development of all people in the company."The following list of "Charlie's Assumptions" reveals as much about the author as about his vision. We find ourselves wanting to embrace both:Charlie's Assumptions About Technology 1. People strive to develop in a positive fashion toward greater self-actualization. They are always trying to be better and realize their full potential. 2. The meaning of work is derived from the phenomenon of interaction with others and with the environment. Work gives meaning to our lives that derives from how we interact with one another. 3. Symbiotic evolution of people and social groups is facilitated by open communication. We can all learn and grow together if there is open communication. 4. Purposeful communication provides a material benefit to human action. Being clear and honest in our communication leads us to fewer misunderstandings and more satisfaction in our relationships. 5. A person or group has meaning only within the identity of a larger social context. That is, our identity derives only within the conte

The Future of Work is one of those memorable books that helps point the way -- in the same vein as Future Shock and Megatrends, but with a lot more practical advice on how we can each positively shape our workplace and our world. While Dr. Grantham presents an impressive synthesis of knowledge on a wide range of subjects, from sociology to organizational development, technology to trend analysis, it is his focus on people and human values that gives this book its value and appeal. The book is not only a "nuts-and-bolts" guide on how to work effectively in a wired world, it is an inspiring reminder that the great thing about technology, especially connectivity, is that it can bring us more deeply in touch with what we all yearn for: communication, creativity, community. Reading this book is time well-spent.

This book is a must read for anyone in today's workforce. The Future of Work looks not just at how the whole concept of work is changing but also at the effects this change is having on both individuals and organizations. This is a practical handbook for survival in a rapidly changing environment. Dr. Grantham shows us what is working and what is not working; but, best of all, his insights help us understand what we need to do to prosper.

"The Future of Work is a significant book and a must read for anyone and everyone who will be affected by "work" during the next couple decades. Yes this means most of us, not just management consultants, workplace strategists and designers, and technology developers. Charlie Grantham uses a breath of perspectives from sociology, to environmental psychology, to economics, to knowledge management to force the reader to think about a future that is at the same time frightening and exciting. After reading (and perhaps re-reading the book), the reader will find him or herself better equipped to plan, prepare and adjust to working in new and fascinating ways. One of the most compelling arguments that Grantham makes is that technology is a tool evolving from "something we use to get the job done to something that we use to connect and relate to others". He then introduces us to the "community of work" where once you think about it you cannot escape the logic and the simplicity of the concept. As a researcher in the field of workplace strategy, I have shamelessly highlighted and borrowed and built on numerous thoughts and concepts wonderfully exposed in the book "