Charles Handy article about his life and work. Fisher begins the article discussing Charles Handy's contributions as a guru of the contemporary organizational workforce, particularly highlighting his visions for the future of changes in corporations, such as the rise in outsourcing, telecommuting, and portfolio careers, as well as ethical and moral dilemmas pertaining to business that Handy has explored. After giving an overview of Handy's life, from his education through his first years in industry and, later, academia, Fisher proceeds to give a narrative history of Handy through his published books. He especially stresses the importance of a central idea in Handy's work concerning how the modern emphasis on individuality, affluence, and a market that cherishes intellectual property and ideas above all else has created different priorities and aims for contemporary workers, who have come to resist bureaucratic corporatism. Handy therefore proposes, as a solution, the formation of adaptable, centerless organizations, or shamrocks, that provide different groups of people different goals, tasks, and rewards. Fisher goes on to describe Handy’s approach and aim in organizational theorizing and the influence of his religious background as it relates to how he frames the organizational questions he explores in his work. Lastly, Fisher highlights the labor collaboration between Handy and his wife, Elizabeth, and how they function as a team for their respective careers.
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