The Society for Human Resource Management Foundation is soliciting proposals for research on the Changing Nature of the Workplace, especially investigations into the implications of new definitions of work for individuals, organizations, and society. This issue continues to occupy a high priority on the Foundation's Research Agenda. An enthusiastic response last year to this subject prompts the Foundation to call for additional research on this topic.

New developments in technology, global economics, and the ever-intensifying pursuit of efficiency have forever altered our organizations, our careers, and our life-styles. Fewer full-time jobs, the end of lifelong careers, and the growth of knowledge as a commodity all demand that we rethink the fundamentals of work. Organizations are beginning to recognize that "jobs" are a 19th century creation, and that the future focus will be not on a fixed bundle of tasks, but on constantly changing work, requiring individuals with the requisite competencies to fulfill the ever-broadening, ever-increasing demands of customers.

Organizations are fundamentally changing to use "de-jobbed" workers successfully: policies, structures, management styles, compensation practices-everything may need to be rethought. Some organizations-newer ones in very fast moving industries-have begun this task, but too many organizations are blindly sailing toward the iceberg.

Because society has depended on "the job" to take care of individual needs for income, affiliation, health care, retirement security, status, and structure, the end of jobs represents a profound social crisis.

The Foundation is soliciting proposals from scholars with the capabilities of investigating the emergence of these phenomena, as well as ascertaining potential organization responses, especially the implications for the human resource function. A variety of methodological approaches are encouraged, including but not limited to case studies, surveys, and field experiments.

If you have an interest in conducting research in this area, please contact the SHRM Foundation to obtain details on how to apply for a Foundation grant.

Please contact:

Edward H. Lyons

SHRM Foundation

606 North Washington Street

Alexandria, VA 22314

703-548-3440