Part I. Theoretical Perspectives.- 1. New Forms of Work in the Post-corporate Economy: Venture Labor, Contract Work and Freelancing.- 2. Reason and Rationality in Organization Studies: Employee Motivation.- Part II. Empirical Data.- 3. Passion: The Motivations behind Venture Work.- 4. Interest: The Goal of Reducing Uncertainty.- 5. Salaried Work in a Financial Economy: Market Risk.
Alexander Styhre is Chair of Organization Theory and Management in the School of Business, Economics and Law at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden. He has published widely in the field of organization, with his work appearing in a number of academic journals. Alexander is also the author of several books, including Precarious Professional Work (Palgrave, 2017) , and his most recent The Unfinished Business of Corporate Governance (2018).
‘What motivates contemporary workers who can no longer rely on a stable employment in corporations? Alexander Styhre offers unique insights into this question in his book. Having taken a close look at venture work, contract work and freelancing, Styhre throws a new light on the changing patterns of work and employment.’
Sabina Siebert, Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow, UK
This book contributes to the ongoing discussion around so-called precarious or venture work, as the proportion of those employed by start-ups and thinly-capitalized firms continues to grow. Filling a gap in literature, the author explores the relationship between venture co-workers and examines how they cope with economic uncertainty, moving away from the previous focus on entrepreneurs and investors. Presenting rich empirical data from several life science start-ups in Sweden, this book illustrates the impact of institutional and regulatory changes in the finance industry, and demonstrates how these effects can ultimately reshape the meaning of employment.