Work is a broad term with many dimensions, but for this article I’d like to focus on the scientific dimension of work, a concept that can be defined as “the amount of force applied over the displacement of an object.” Force and displacement are vector quantities. Work is the scalar product (also known as the dot product in vector algebra) of those vectors.
As a scientific concept, it’s easy to see why we think of it as something that has to be done in order to create change or progress. But what does work really mean in our day-to-day lives? What are the factors that we consider when looking for work that will fit us, that will challenge and grow us, that will help achieve our career goals while also contributing to the greater good of society?
The answers to these questions aren’t always simple. But they can be found by considering the way in which work changes people, the value it adds to our lives, and its implications for future generations. Think of the time, energy and relationships we’ve spent at work – the discipline, wisdom, skills and knowledge it has given us, or perhaps the ways it has jaded or snuffed out our passions or damaged relationships, leaving us cynical and seeing others as problems to be solved.
Despite the fact that work’s nature is irrevocably changing, a number of the traditional paradigms associated with it continue to guide dominant discourses. These perspectives include a narrow view of work that is primarily about labour, remuneration and employment (Deranty, 2009).
On the other hand, there are emerging concepts that consider how social and cultural factors influence the concept of work, such as its relational character and its role in shaping individuals’ sense of identity, purpose and wellbeing (Blustein, 2011).
These emerging perspectives suggest that it is necessary to examine the definition of work in the context of changing societal trends. However, the lack of a consensus on a contemporary definition of work hinders research and should be addressed by providing conceptual clarity through a clear summary of the dimensions of work.
The aim of this scoping review is to collate a multi-disciplinary perspective of the concept of work including its conceptual boundaries, using the notion of thin and thick definitions as an initial point of departure. This enables comparison of the various definitions and helps to develop a more cohesive research agenda. The paper suggests that the taxonomy of work based on the underlying dimensions is an invaluable tool for researchers, employers and policymakers. Moreover, this framework provides a basis for a holistic and robust approach to rethinking the nature of work in our current era of rapid technological and social change. This is essential in ensuring that we continue to harness the value and benefits of work in a way that empowers employees rather than alienates them. This is only possible if we can refocus on the unseen, and that means identifying and solving nonroutine problems and uncovering new opportunities rather than viewing them as just another part of the routine execution work pie.
