Third ISA Forum of Sociology (July 10-14, 2016)

341

Transformation of Work in Bureaucratic Organizations

RC30 Sociology of Work (host committee)

Language: English

In the neoliberal state public administrations are expected to transform from traditional bureaucratic organizations to modern managerial service providers by adopting a business logic that requests primarily the efficient and effective use of resources. The introduction of managerial practices, controlling and accounting systems, management by objectives, computerization, service orientation, increasing outsourcing, competitive structures and decentralized responsibility are typical features of a managerial administrative organization that follows business routines to increase efficiency and formal rationalization in the era of neoliberalism.
These developments are accompanied by the abolition of civil service systems and a decrease of secure jobs in public administrations. Under the new regime work of administrative personnel is structured differently resulting in new realities of work in bureaucratic organizations. The question is how current upheavals in public administrations are reflected in the work culture in administration, affect the work place systems and experiences and working conditions of their labour forces. The changing values and goals for public sector organizations establish a transformation of work which require public servants to follow the principles of managerial logic and the dictate of self-optimization and subjectification.
From a sociological perspective we ask how subjects in public administrations deal with this transformation, how their role as public servants are affected and what kind of strategies emerge, to meet these new organizational requirements or to circumvent them. We welcome theoretical and empirical paper proposals on a wide array of issues that address the transformation processes of work in bureaucratic organizations under the new managerial regimes. Posters: