A project as a workplace Observations from project managers in four R&D and project-intensive companies

摘要

Projects and project management work present what would seem to be a paradox. Although business and industrial companies regard projects as strategic vehicles for innovation and growth, it is doubtful whether project managers are seen as a similarly strategic asset, due to their working environment. This article, which is based on interviews conducted at four major Scandinavian companies, describes several empirical cases of a project as a workplace. In line with previous research we observe a challenging and in many cases exposed situation for many project managers. Our main finding is that a considerable part of what makes up a non-sustainable project work environment stems from the imbalance of power that exists between permanent and temporary organisational forms. The article concludes that a process of "deprojectification" of project employees, i.e. making the distinction between line and project work less distinct in organisations may actually lead to more sustainable project work. (c) 2014 Elsevier Ltd. APM and IPMA. All rights reserved.