Since the first edition of this book was published, the subject of sustainability has risen to the forefront of thinking in almost every subject within business and management. Tackling the latest developments and integrating practical perspectives with rigorous research, this new edition sheds light on a vital aspect of working life. Current trends reveal that increasing intensity at work has major consequences at individual, organizational and societal levels. Sustainability in work systems thus requires a multi-stakeholder approach, emphasising a value-based choice to promote the concurrent development of various resources in the work system. This sustainability grows from intertwined individual and collective learning processes taking place within and between organizations in collaboration. In exploring the development of sustainable work systems, this book analyzes these problems, and provides the basis for designing and implementing 'sustainable work systems' based on the idea of regeneration and the development of human and social resources. The authors, who are leading researchers and practitioners from around the world, consider the existing possibilities and emerging solutions and explore alternatives to intensive work systems.

Current trends reveal that increasing intensity at work has major consequences at individual, organizational and societal levels. New organizational approaches to work are needed so the balance between intensive and sustainable work can be achieved, yet there are no guiding models, theories or examples on how this can be done. In exploring the development of sustainable work systems, this book analyzes these problems, and provides the basis for designing and implementing 'sustainable work systems' based on the idea of regeneration and the development of human and social resources. Shedding light on the emerging work systems, this book describes existing problems and paradoxes. The researchers, from various academic disciplines and institutions in the US and Europe, consider the existing possibilities and emerging solutions and explore alternatives to intensive work systems.

This is a timely and groundbreaking book from the bestselling author of "The Fifth Discipline" series and "Presence". "The Necessary Revolution" reveals how corporations and organizations are, in the face of looming environmental crises and pressure from social issues, finding solutions that ensure both long-term survival and real-time business success. "The Necessary Revolution" is destined to become the essential handbook for everyone who understands the need to act and work together now to create a sustainable world for ourselves and the generations to come. A revolution is underway, and spreading fast. Organizations everywhere are boldly leading the change from the dead-end of 'business as usual' to new strategies and transformative practices that promote a flourishing, sustainable world. Pragmatic and powerful, today's most innovative leaders know that revolutionary - not incremental - changes in the way we live and work are necessary for their, and our, survival. Brimming with inspiring stories from around the globe, and organizations ranging from Alcoa to Oxfam, DuPont to GE, "The Necessary Revolution" clearly shows that ordinary people at every level within every organization have the ability and innovative spirit to do extraordinary things. By working collaboratively across boundaries, they are amplifying their creativity to find unprecedented solutions in an intensely interdependent world. "The Necessary Revolution" contains a wealth of strategies to help anyone, regardless of role or title, build the confidence and competence to respond effectively to the greatest challenge of our time. It is destined to become the essential handbook for everyone who understands the need to act and work together - now - to create a sustainable world for ourselves and the generations to follow.

Considers how the balance between intensive and sustainable work can be achieved by looking at existing possibilities and emerging solutions exploring some alternatives to intensive work systems.

Considers how the balance between intensive and sustainable work can be achieved by looking at existing possibilities and emerging solutions exploring some alternatives to intensive work systems.

In this diverse volume new methodologies are introduced, such as the strategic fitness process for engaging leaders in better understanding the reactions of employees to strategic change efforts (Beer); Jazz as a metaphor for organizational improvisation (Bernstein & Barrett); and new theories for understanding change processes (Gomez & Ballard).