Product Description

In this book about the world of professional work, Jeff Schmidt demonstrates that the workplace is a battleground for the very identity of the individual, as is graduate school where professionals are trained. He shows that professional work is inherently political and that professionals are hired to maintain strict "ideological discipline". The hidden root of much career dissatisfaction, he argues, is the professional's lack of control over the political component of his or her creative work. Many professionals set out to make a contribution to society and add meaning to their lives. Yet our system of professional education and employment abusively inculcates an acceptance of politically subordinate roles in which professionals typically do not make a significant difference, undermining the creative potential of individuals, organizations and even democracy. Schmidt details the battle one must fight to be an independent thinker, showing how an honest reassessment of what it means to be a professional in today's corporate society can be remarkably liberating.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #181929 in Books
• Published on: 2001-10-30
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

Customer Reviews

Essential reading for disenchanted proffessionals
This book was recommended to me by a friend, and I have been recommendingit to people ever since.
Geoff sheds light on why professional training and work is the way it is. The book is enlightening, extremely challenging and ultimately encoragingas Geoff provides practical ways in which we can work as a professionalwhilst holding on the our beliefs and independent thought.
The book goes through each aspect of professional training and work, fromthe selection process to salaries. The analysis is thorough, and you maywant to skip some of the sections that are less relevant, but theconclusions and suggestions are too valuable to miss.
This is not another patronising "how to" book. It provides uncannyinsight and thoughtful analysis, giving the reader credit to be able tothink for themselves.
I think that every professional, and anyone thinking of becoming aprofessional, should read this book. It will help you approach yourtraining and work with your eyes open, and give you hope that you are notthe only one who finds it hard to do what you are told.
There is no-one who wouldn't be callenged by this book