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Why We Work

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Why We Work

By: Barry Schwartz
Narrated by: Barry Schwartz
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About this listen

 An eye-opening, groundbreaking tour of the purpose of work in our lives, showing how work operates in our culture and how you can find your own path to happiness in the workplace.

Why do we work? The question seems so simple. But Professor Barry Schwartz proves that the answer is surprising, complex, and urgent.

We’ve long been taught that the reason we work is primarily for a paycheck. In fact, we’ve shaped much of the infrastructure of our society to accommodate this belief. Then why are so many people dissatisfied with their work, despite healthy compensation? And why do so many people find immense fulfillment and satisfaction through “menial” jobs? Schwartz explores why so many believe that the goal for working should be to earn money, how we arrived to believe that paying workers more leads to better work, and why this has made our society confused, unhappy, and has established a dangerously misguided system.

Through fascinating studies and compelling anecdotes, this book dispels this myth. Schwartz takes us through hospitals and hair salons, auto plants and boardrooms, showing workers in all walks of life, showcasing the trends and patterns that lead to happiness in the workplace. Ultimately, Schwartz proves that the root of what drives us to do good work can rarely be incentivized, and that the cause of bad work is often an attempt to do just that.

How did we get to this tangled place? How do we change the way we work? With great insight and wisdom, Schwartz shows us how to take our first steps toward understanding, and empowering us all to find great work. Organisational Behavior Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Social Sciences Sociology Happiness
All stars
Most relevant
The concept and historical references are compelling reasons for root and branch change for the mechanics of labour division.

All leaders and line managers will improve their ability to manage change in a manner that will improve working conditions for their employees as well as increasing drive and desire or the workforce to engage in the work.

LM 101

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I've come across ideas around good work needing meaning and purpose before. However the author takes it to the next level by linking it to ideology, the incomplete nature of individuals, and self fulfilling prophecies.

The writing lacks any flab, or complex terminology. Key ideas and examples are explained well, and they are repeated appropriately, without becoming repetitive; and there are no fillers or unconvincing detours.

I believe I've learnt something which I will apply when considering life in general, and work in particular.

A subject in the hands of an expert teacher

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