Individuals and Groups
Individuals and Work
Work is a productive activity that occurs in a variety of settings. The nature of work changes over the lifespan, requiring balance with other aspects of an individual’s life. The changing nature of work-related situations requires an understanding of social change, cultural influences, economic policies and political processes that impact on work. Students develop skills necessary to manage these changes. In this module, students consider how contemporary workplace practices have evolved in response to social changes. Students gain an understanding of both the benefits of a variety of work patterns to family wellbeing and how workplace practices have changed to acknowledge the value of family life. This module focuses on the nature of work, changing work patterns, managing workplace and family roles and recognising individuals in their workplace.
The Nature of Work
Any type of activity that results in the production of goods/services. The worker receives compensation in the form of wages or profit (known as paid work). Work is also used in the context where people do things for other people for nothing (known as unpaid work).
The Characteristics of Work * Mostly essential for survival, provides for both needs and wants. * An integral part of our lives – many activities we do relate to the work force.
Why Work? * Provides income to purchase goods and services essential for survival as well as financial support for leisure pursuits. * Part of individual’s social life and contributes to status, identity and self esteem. Part of the process of socialisation. * Increased communication and interpersonal skills. * Provides meaning and purpose to life.
Attitudes to Work * Extension – interesting and absorbing jobs. People do not distinguish between their work and non-work (eg an artist). Work is an extension of their life. * Neutrality – workers with regular hours. They see little or no relationship
Work is a productive activity that occurs in a variety of settings. The nature of work changes over the lifespan, requiring balance with other aspects of an individual’s life. The changing nature of work-related situations requires an understanding of social change, cultural influences, economic policies and political processes that impact on work. Students develop skills necessary to manage these changes. In this module, students consider how contemporary workplace practices have evolved in response to social changes. Students gain an understanding of both the benefits of a variety of work patterns to family wellbeing and how workplace practices have changed to acknowledge the value of family life. This module focuses on the nature of work, changing work patterns, managing workplace and family roles and recognising individuals in their workplace.
The Nature of Work
Any type of activity that results in the production of goods/services. The worker receives compensation in the form of wages or profit (known as paid work). Work is also used in the context where people do things for other people for nothing (known as unpaid work).
The Characteristics of Work * Mostly essential for survival, provides for both needs and wants. * An integral part of our lives – many activities we do relate to the work force.
Why Work? * Provides income to purchase goods and services essential for survival as well as financial support for leisure pursuits. * Part of individual’s social life and contributes to status, identity and self esteem. Part of the process of socialisation. * Increased communication and interpersonal skills. * Provides meaning and purpose to life.
Attitudes to Work * Extension – interesting and absorbing jobs. People do not distinguish between their work and non-work (eg an artist). Work is an extension of their life. * Neutrality – workers with regular hours. They see little or no relationship