Valmiria Carolina Piccinini

As melhores empresas para trabalhar no Brasil e a qualidade de vida no trabalho: disjunções entre a teoria e a prática

The present article discusses the results of surveys about the best companies to work for in Brazil, conducted by Exame magazine in the years 1997, 1999 and 2000. The researchers identified the 30, 50 and 100 companies which offered in the respective years the most attractive working conditions, based on dimensions which allow an evaluation of the best practices in the human resources area. The items investigated present a close resemblance to Waltons (1973) model of quality of working life. The methodology used was characterized as descriptive-exploratory. The data analysis indicates that those organizations whose practices were evaluated positively by their employees in the years 1997 and 1999 propitiated, first of all, a sense of pride in the work and in the company. In the year 2000 the most valued aspects were career opportunities and training. In general terms, we have observed that there has been a reduction in the number of companies which received top grades from their employees, as well as in the number of items positively evaluated.

Mercado de trabalho: múltiplos (des)entendimentos

The term work market permeates a great number of the present-day debates in sociology and economy. However, even though it is common to find texts that attempt to dimension and understand work, as well as explain the changes it has undergone in recent decades, there are few studies that look into the theoretical aspects of the concept and highlight the perspective they are following. In the present study an attempt is made to analyze the concept at different approaches. For this purpose, some of the main approaches towards the term are presented, and their theoretical perspective and possible limitations are highlighted. From the field of economy, the constructions of the classical Keynesian and segmentation theories are considered. After we present the economic sociological approach of social networks and institutional approach. Based on reflections on the potential and limitations of each approach and of the ideas of Bourdieu, an idea for extending the understanding and debate on the term is offered. It is believed that by following this approach it will be possible to extend the debate on the current economic structures. To finish, an outline is made of the how it would be possible to understand the work market in times of mundialization.

Validade e reflexividade na pesquisa qualitativa

Until today, the search for numerical accuracy, capable of being validated, confirmed and reproduced, represents the main form of knowledge construction in several areas of social science. While qualitative research has widened its range and gained distinction, its value is questioned by some researchers who believe that it has neither the same rigour in the collection and analysis of data as quantitative research nor capacity for generalization of the results. In this short essay, an attempt is made to discuss two elements of rigour in qualitative research: validity and reflexivity. Firstly, a theoretical review is carried out in an effort to define and discuss the concept of validity, as well as highlight the different interpretations given to the term in different epistemological currents. With regard to the concept of reflexivity, the paper highlights the importance of adopting a critical analysis of science with emphasis on the position and actions of the researcher when performing his/her work and the relation that is established with the subjects under study. To finish, some remarks are offered on the construction of knowledge in the scientific field and the role of researcher.

Reestruturação produtiva e formas de flexibilização do trabalho

O artigo tem como objetivo investigar as formas de flexibilizacao de duas organizacoes do setor textil no interior do Rio Grande do Sul e suas repercussoes sobre as relacoes de trabalho. Realizaram-se os dois estudos de caso, por meio de entrevistas individuais com cinco representantes da direcao e vinte e oito trabalhadores. A empresa Alfa (EAlfa) utiliza, no processo produtivo, automacao flexivel de base eletronica e microeletronica, celulas de producao com enfase em premios de producao e diversificacao de modelos. E exigida mao-de-obra qualificada, bem como trabalhadores multifuncionais e aptos a subordinarem-se ao grupo e ao ritmo intenso de producao, o que se reflete no sentido dado ao trabalho por sua sobrecarga. Na Beta (EBeta) emprega-se tecnologia com base eletromecânica, sendo o processo produtivo de padrao fordista, com poucas inovacoes gerenciais e utilizando-se o trabalho a domicilio e o regime de banco de horas. A empresa conseguiu reduzir seu quadro funcional aumentando o de trabalhadores a domicilio. O acordo com os trabalhadores para aderir ao banco de horas ocorre pela adesao as regras, nao havendo a imposicao concreta das ordens. As repercussoes nas relacoes de trabalho sao: preferencia pela contratacao de mulheres, que aceitam mais facilmente o banco de horas e veem como positiva a sua implantacao, e mao-de-obra jovem para suportar as condicoes de trabalho.