Work and Spirit in the Work Environment of the New Economy

Abstract:

Ideology that envisions work as a quest for self and a place to nourish one's spirit and a context for self-development has not been embedded in the work-environment of the New Economy.

The New Economy has to a certain extent flourished in the western world for approximately two decades. Despite that fact, it is rare to find any elaborate definition on the phenomenon or coherent theoretical framework. The literature on the psychological influence the New Economy has had on the work environment and the well-being on the workers is sparse. The great expectations that the high technology would maximize profit and bring almost unlimited prosperity has come to a halt.

Once again the invisible hand has taken over the market and we are facing facts that were not included in the ideology of the New Economy. The employers within the system are faced with emptiness and lack of self worth.

Vocational psychology and career counseling is now challenged to identify sheer numbers of variables and concepts to build an applied and theoretical framework that will enable understanding of the necessity that work and spirit are provided a venue for the individual to become more than one used to be.

Presenter:

Solvina Konrads

Dr. Solvina Konrads
Counseling Psychologist
Ph.D. from the University of Minnesota 1987
Work areas: teaching, research and counseling in Iceland and abroad
Working with women alcoholics using Dr. Jean Kirkpatrick's model "Women for Sobriety"

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