Introduction

This introduction presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in the subsequent chapters of this book. The book presents research by academic staff and associated scholars in the Discipline of Work and Organisational Studies at the University of Sydney Business School who are seeking to answer many questions related to contemporary organisations, work and employment. It identifies that the potential for workers to engage positively with work has been circumscribed by a number of factors. The book aims to develop a framework to explain continuity and change at work, focuses on the institutions, policies and norms that govern employment relations. It proposes a ‘dynamic work systems’ approach to analyse workplace changes in Australia. The book describes a diverse set of organisationally based topics, including: the role and profile of board capital in organisations, and how organisations use rhetoric and written strategy to orchestrate change.