Stretchwork: Managing the career progression paradox in external labor markets

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: O'Mahony, Siobhan; Bechky, Beth A.
• 署名单位: Harvard University; University of California System; University of California Davis
• 刊物名称: ACADEMY OF MANAGEMENT JOURNAL
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0001-4273
• 发表日期: 2006
• 页码: 918-941
• 关键词: BOUNDARYLESS; EMPLOYMENT; networks; work; patterns; mobility; resource; HISTORY; success

摘要

Changes in employment relationships have diminished the degree to which internal labor markets shape careers. Using comparative field studies, we examine how contract workers try to achieve career progression without the benefit of organizational guidance. Specifically, we examine how contract workers manage the career progression paradox: the problem of finding a job without prior experience. Stretchwork bridging from proven competencies to new ones helps reconcile this paradox. We identify four tactics used to acquire stretchwork, explore the conditions affecting the success of those tactics, and offer theoretical implications for career progression in external labor markets.