ABSTRACT
The account has up until now dealt with renewal of the economic activity in different individual organisations. We have intended to demonstrate that increased use of projects in the economy influences conditions for renewal, especially those related to knowledge formation in organisations. It appears to be much more difficult to apply traditional methods of improving knowledge processes (e.g. ‘learning organisation’ approaches) in temporary than in permanent organisations. Quite simply, other methods are needed to influence projectised organisations. Among other things, we have argued in favour of using combinatorics of knowledge in a conscious way as a method to bring about fundamental renewal. Directly and indirectly, we have been addressing the inherent problems of the renewal paradox in a projectised environment. In this concluding chapter, we turn to the meso level of analysis/synthesis over and above the individual organisation, be it permanent or temporary. An impressive range of issues are involved here, so it is necessary to extract a few of the most important ones. To be more specific, we want to revisit the transformation dilemma problem and to describe the likely effects of increasing project work on individuals’ working lives. Finally, we will adopt a stance on projectisation, inspired by critical theory, as a preliminary to debates on projectisation and new research. Questions that are tentatively answered in this final chapter are as follows:
What are the implications of the transformation dilemma for the institutions surrounding organisations? In the labour market, will the contractual relations between company and individual be affected? Will personal work satisfaction, identity and participation be impaired in a projectised economy? Will the labour market become segmented and precarious for individuals? How are the size and power relations of organisations influenced by the current projectisation? Is it possible to draw any conclusions on the future structure of companies and organisations?
