Professional Work: The Emergence of Collaborative Community

Organization Science, Vol. 19, No. 2, 2008

18 Pages Posted: 19 Jan 2009 Last revised: 22 Jan 2009

See all articles by Paul S. Adler

Paul S. Adler

University of Southern California - Management and Organization Department

Seok-Woo Kwon

University of Calgary - Haskayne School of Business

Charles Heckscher

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey

Abstract

This paper traces the main lines of evolution of the organization of professional work. The argument is illustrated with material on the case of doctors and hospitals. While market and hierarchy principles have become progressively more salient in professional work, we argue that, in parallel, the community principle has been growing more influential, too. We further argue that professional community is mutating from a Gemeinschaft, craft guild form, via Gesellschaft forms, toward a new, collaborative form. This evolution, however, is a difficult one, and the outcome is uncertain. We identify some implications for future research.

Suggested Citation

Adler, Paul S. and Kwon, Seok-Woo and Heckscher, Charles, Professional Work: The Emergence of Collaborative Community. Organization Science, Vol. 19, No. 2, 2008, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1329137

Paul S. Adler (Contact Author)

University of Southern California - Management and Organization Department ( email )

Los Angeles, CA 90089
United States
213-740-0728 (Phone)
213-740-3582 (Fax)

Seok-Woo Kwon

University of Calgary - Haskayne School of Business ( email )

2500 University Drive, NW
Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4
Canada

Charles Heckscher

Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey ( email )

111 Washington Street
Newark, NJ 07102
United States
732-932-1412 (Phone)
732-932-8677 (Fax)

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