Researchers within EWIDE profiling area explore how technology reshapes work and impacts the wellbeing of workers
The profiling area EWIDE was launched in 2022. It was developed in response to the pervasive impact of technology in our society reshaping how society is organized.
- We recognize that technological advancements increasingly transcend traditional organizational boundaries. Matching these complexities, understanding work in the digital age demands an interdisciplinary approach. Within EWIDE we foster interdisciplinary research at JYU by providing a platform for researchers across faculties and research traditions. At present we bring together researchers from Information Systems, Management and Leadership, Psychology, Communication Science, Sociology, and Education, says Ward van Zoonen, the academic director of the EWIDE.
- From a management and leadership perspective we are interested in understanding how technological advances are reshaping organizational decision making and governance styles. This also includes emergent work and organizing such as platform work and work and wellbeing in the gig economy.
- From a communication science perspective, technological advances and societal changes have given rise to new questions about digital work environments and spatiality. Similarly, collaborations are changing with the increasing use of generative AI. What if we ask ChatGPT for help and no longer ask our colleagues? From the perspective of information systems and technology design ethical questions emerge about transparent and reliable design of AI systems. These examples and topics give a glimpse of the themes we work on, he continues.
15 million euro in external research funding for EWIDE related themes
Since 2022 the combined efforts of those involved in EWIDE have amounted to more than 150 academic research publications, numerous consultation projects with organizations, workshops, public lectures, conference presentations, and research awards and recognitions from leading academic communities such as Academy of Management. EWIDE is funded by the Research Council of Finland.
- As of April 2024, we have attracted 15 million euro in external research funding associated with EWIDE-related themes. The way we do this is by creating a supportive and inclusive research environment geared toward academic excellence. For JYU and our national and international collaborators we provide a supportive community to address problems related to technologies and organizing, tells van Zoonen.
Everyone can get involved easily in EWIDE activities as there is a low threshold for participating.
- For instance, we organize monthly EWIDENCE Talks sessions. In these sessions we discuss ongoing research, present ideas, explore new collaboration opportunities, provide support for developing papers and funding applications, invite (inter)national guests to share their ideas, and much more. Every first Wednesday of the month we have an in-person session. These are inspiring to attend and will give participants a good sense of the type of research that is done at JYU related to technology, work, and wellbeing.
A globally recognized center of excellence in the research on technology, work, and wellbeing
The aim of the EWIDE is to become a globally recognized center of excellence in the research on technology, work, and wellbeing by 2026. The focused and dedicated research on technology and emergent work is incrementally shaping up to research center that will be internationally renowned as a leading unit in the field technology and organizing. At the same time the research within this initiative supports the University’s strategy to become a global leader in promoting wisdom and wellbeing for individuals and society through interdisciplinary research.
As academics, we have a profound responsibility to contribute to the wisdom and wellbeing of society.
- As academics, we have a profound responsibility to contribute to the wisdom and wellbeing of society. By understanding the dynamics of how technologies are reshaping communication and collaboration, we aim to address some of the most pressing challenges in contemporary organizing. Achieving this vision requires not just ambition but also a commitment to high-quality research and the dedicated efforts of an interdisciplinary team. Our interdisciplinary approach will ensure that we tackle these challenges with the best possible solutions, fostering an environment where groundbreaking research can thrive and make a substantial impact on both academia and society at large, highlights van Zoonen.
- Your best way to get involved immediately is to get on our mailing list and participate in our monthly EWIDENCE Talks sessions, where ongoing research and new collaboration opportunities are discussed.
Introduction: Ward van Zoonen
Ward van Zoonen obtained his PhD in communication science from the University of Amsterdam. Currently he works as an associate professor in the Management and Leadership discipline at Jyväskylä University School of Business and Economics. Van Zoonen is the academic director of EWIDE and holds a Research Council of Finland fellowship, a project in which he studies datafication and workplace surveillance. Furthermore, van Zoonen also holds a position as associate professor in communication science at VU Amsterdam. Additionally, he is an associate editor at European Management Journal where he handles submissions on organizational behavior.
