New Organizational Forms in the Information Society

Abstract

Argues that European firms will have to become more internally flexible if they are to remain competitive in the global economy; comparisons are made to both North America & Japan. Especially in light of the global adoption of new information & communication technologies, changes are needed in organizational structures, wage systems, job skills, & management-employee relations. Explored in depth here are two strategies -- outsourcing & telework -- that are being used successfully by many companies to increase their flexibility & enhance their position in the global marketplace. Implications of these strategies for labor relations & for home-based workers are discussed. 2 Tables. K. Hyatt Stewart