Futures for work: A book of original readings

One hundred years ago, on the first of November 1878, the first, partly elected, workers representation within a Dutch industrial concern was installed. This took place at the Nederlandsche Gist- en Spiritusjabriek which is now known, since amalgamating in 1967 with Brocades, Stheeman & Pharmacia, as Gist-Brocades. The centennial of workers representation occurs at a time in which the debate about the relationship between man and his work has reached a new height. The role of social pioneer that, in the history of industry, fell to this concern, now creates for us a twofold obli­ gation: In the first instance to give due honour, after 100 years, to the pioneer ofthose days, J. C. Van Marken and to commemorate hirn in contemporary fashion: the first chapter of this book, published on the occasion ofthe centennial, is devoted to the life and work of our illustrious precursor. Secondly we fee! that it is in the spirit of pioneership to look forward and thereby direct ourselves primarily to the future of work. To this end, the European Institute for Advanced Studies in Management in Brussels formulated some pertinent questions which were then laid before a number of prominent writers and social thinkers in Holland and elsewhere. This book contains their responses. VIII FOREWORD We did not ask the authors to look into teacups or to tell the future from the stars.