Greetings,
I trust this email finds you well.
The attached link is a call for chapters for a book in the Research in Management Series that will explore the impact of Covid-19 and the related accelerated use of technology on factors related to meaningful work. One of the most significant changes resulting from Covid-19 was the shift to teleworking. This was made possible by existing and new technologies such as video conferencing (e.g. Zoom, Microsoft Teams) and electronic messaging (e,g., email, text, Google Chat). Historically, changes in the way we work brought about by the Industrial Revolution (late 1700's to early 1800s) and multiple subsequent technological revolutions (e.g., The .com boom and bust brought on by the introduction of the World Wide Web in 1991) caused disruptions and stress to the workers impacted. Similarly, temporary or permanent loss of work such as during the Depression of 1930s and Recession of 2007-2009 resulted in increased mental health challenges and workers questioning the existential meaning of work. It can be argued that some workplace changes brought about because of the pandemic are welcome and beneficial (e.g., less time commuting, greater work-life balance). However, it should not be surprising to find some in this post-Covid generation of workers also feeling disrupted, stressed, and questioning the role and meaning of work in their lives - much like their historical counterparts. To support this, it has been noted that since the beginning of the pandemic, a record number of workers have been voluntarily leaving their positions. This exodus from work has been termed "The Great Resignation." The present collection will consider the impact of Covid-19-accelerated technological changes resulting in increased remote work, job loss, work-related stress, increased voluntary turnover, and workers questioning the meaning and stability work provides.
The editors invite chapter proposals from researchers in business, technology, sociology, health care and education fields. We welcome chapters that include quantitative and qualitative research or conceptual pieces on topics that will enhance understanding of how the interplay of a global pandemic and the increased use of technology impacted the perception of meaningful work. We also encourage case studies that demonstrate the impact of Covid-19 on specific groups of workers (e.g., teachers, healthcare workers) and/or the populations they serve (e.g, students, patients). All contributors should consider how Covid-19 workplace changes have created new challenges and opportunities, as well as how these changes may result in a shift in what workers deem desirable or meaningful work.
Please consider for your research contributions.
Tim
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Tim Ewest
Associate Professor
Houston Baptist University
Houston TX
(281) 649-3325
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