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The new lumpiness of work

Author

Listed:
  • Patricia E. van Echtelt

    (Research voor Beleid, The Netherlands, p.van.echtelt@rvbh.nl)

  • Arie C. Glebbeek

    (Department of Sociology, University of Groningen, The Netherlands, a.c.glebbeek@rug.nl)

  • Siegwart M. Lindenberg

    (Department of Sociology, University of Groningen, The Netherlands, S.M.Lindenberg@rug.nl)

Abstract

This article deals with the puzzle of the well-known gap between actual and preferred working hours (i.e. over-employment). We propose a new explanation based on selective attention in decision making and test it with the Time Competition Survey 2003 which includes information of 1114 employees in 30 Dutch organizations. We find very limited support for the hypotheses that over-employment is caused by restrictions imposed by the employer ( traditional lumpiness ). Instead, we find much empirical support for our hypothesis on a new form of lumpiness that is related to selective attention and is created by work characteristics of ‘post-Fordist’ job design. In this work organization, the increased autonomy of workers is leading to an autonomy paradox . We also find evidence of a part-time illusion: under the post-Fordist regime, many part-time employees, who obviously were willing and allowed to reduce their working hours, still end up working more hours than they prefer.

Suggested Citation

  • Patricia E. van Echtelt & Arie C. Glebbeek & Siegwart M. Lindenberg, 2006. "The new lumpiness of work," Work, Employment & Society, British Sociological Association, vol. 20(3), pages 493-512, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:woemps:v:20:y:2006:i:3:p:493-512
    DOI: 10.1177/0950017006066998
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. René Böheim & Mark P. Taylor, 2004. "Actual and Preferred Working Hours," British Journal of Industrial Relations, London School of Economics, vol. 42(1), pages 149-166, March.
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