The Game of Work: The Human Side

Abstract

Some common problems in industry today are behavioral, rather than organic. The traditional disease model is not appropriate for understanding them, but the game model of analysis offers a new understanding. Games, as defined by social psychology, are important aspects of human living, and the game of work is of great importance. The game of meaningless work, though, is a poor way to maintain valued self-esteem. It evokes aggressive and industrially undesirable behavior. These reactions can be seen as judgements on the unwholesomeness of meaningless work, and as attempts to initiate self-involving actions. To get a more meaningful game of work, we must join the human side and help guide the necessary changes, through an understanding that meaningfulness in work is just as important as safety.