Policy Press

The Logic of Professionalism

Work and Management in Professional Service Organizations

By Johan Alvehus

Published

Dec 8, 2021

Page count

162 pages

ISBN

978-1529206074

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Dec 8, 2021

Page count

162 pages

ISBN

978-1529206067

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Dec 8, 2021

Page count

162 pages

ISBN

978-1529206111

Dimensions

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Dec 8, 2021

Page count

162 pages

ISBN

978-1529206111

Dimensions

Imprint

Bristol University Press
The Logic of Professionalism

This book discusses common management and work practices in professional service organizations.

Alvehus opens important discussions on what it means to work, manage, and be managed in such professional organizations, casting light on classic conflicts. He takes everyday work as a starting point and adopts a critical view that focuses on challenges and struggles in both public and private settings. He offers new perspectives and key insights for the future of professionalism.

Providing a comprehensive overview of the field, this book is an important guide for understanding how professionalism is maintained in today’s organizations. It will be essential reading for students and scholars of management and leadership.

“This is an erudite, original, and thought-provoking book, which skilfully handles many different intellectual traditions while challenging several key assumptions in orthodox understandings of professions and professional organizations. Essential reading both for students of the professions and established scholars in this area.” Daniel Muzio, University of York

“This book is a must-read for any scholar focused on the professions. Boldly addressing important topics such as ambiguity, control, and leadership in the professions, it informs future practice and research agendas. An invaluable resource for professional practitioners and students alike.” Juani Swart, University of Bath

“It is not often that you read a text that so emphatically puts the professional work at the center...It is extremely relevant reading for anyone interested in professions and professional work.” Swedish Business Economics Journal

Johan Alvehus is Associate Professor at the Department of Service Management and Service Studies, Lund University.

1. Work in Professional Service Organizations

2. Professionalism from an Institutional Logics View

3. The Ambiguity of Professional Service Work

4. Control, and Control over Control

5. The Politics of Leadership

6. Superfi cial Hybridity

7. Understanding the Logic of Professionalism

8. The Future of Professional Work