Ergology: a possible approach to organizational studies of work

Abstract

This paper aims to point out and mark as fruitful the use of Ergology – approach developed by the French philosopher Yves Schwartz – by researchers of the organizational studies of the work field. This theoretical paper uses literature review to achieve this goal by addressing the following topics about Ergology: its genesis and conceptions about the worker and labor; its main conceptual tools, as previous standards, values, re-normalization, collective entities relatively pertinent, invested knowledge; and its epistemological structure, considering work as an environment of life, learning and knowledge confrontation, its generalizable assumptions and propositions, and the apparatus whereby its exercise works. There is also a brief comparison of work’s clinical perspectives, the delimitation of its usefulness for organizational studies, covering considerations of previous researches, as well as an agenda for future ones, where there is the possibility of a new look over consolidated discussions in this area, such as organizational behavior and culture, competences, quality of working life (QWL), and  indications of possible consequences for administrative practices. To conclude,  it is highlighted the relevance of reflexivity in the development of management technologies and the real work potentiality, in spite of the requirements and generalizable models, as well it is emphasized the dialogue with workers.