Unruly Subjects: Misbehaviour in the Workplace

Citation

Ackroyd S & Thompson P (2016) Unruly Subjects: Misbehaviour in the Workplace. In: Edgell S, Gottfried H & Granter E (eds.) The SAGE Handbook of the Sociology of Work and Employment. London: SAGE, pp. 185-204. https://uk.sagepub.com/en-gb/eur/the-sage-handbook-of-the-sociology-of-work-and-employment/book241928

Abstract
First paragraph: There is little that more graphically indicates the normative character of much social science than its handling of misbehaviour. There is a great deal of evidence, particularly gathered from ethnographic research, indicating that misbehaviour at work is prevalent at all levels and amongst all types of employment (Fleming and Spicer, 2007). Research has revealed tendencies to misbehave – and especially for employees to innovate non-sanctioned ways of responding to work and of evading attempts to control what they do. Yet, at the same time, there are also tendencies amongst social scientists and others to overlook such behaviour or to minimize its importance.

People

Professor Paul Thompson

Emeritus Professor, Management, Work and Organisation