Dr Laura Mitchell, University of York

"Relational Woking Dignity: a challenge of status, autonomy and care" 

Wednesday, 3 September 15:00 - 16:30
Room 141 B Adam Smith Business School 

Abstract

Dignity in the context of work organisations has been explored by a range of scholars globally, yet the potential of this interdisciplinary concept is overwhelmed by our commitment to outdated philosophies and the narrow paradigmatic concerns of academic subdisciplines. Bringing together the work of sociologists, philosophers, political theorists, and a wide selection of business and management scholarship, this book highlights areas in which ‘workplace’ dignity needs a rethink.

Starting with the foundational philosophical assumptions, this book challenges a deontological ethic and a simple atomistic view of persons. A specific thesis of dignity as emergent from social performance is presented which is informed by symbolic interactionism, actor-network theory, and liberal and feminist philosophy.

With organisational examples throughout, this radical rethink has serious implications not only for the study of dignity in the context of contemporary work activity but also respecifies how we think about our obligations to ourselves and others in networks of relations.

Bio

Dr Laura Mitchell is a senior lecturer based at the University of York. Her work focuses on workplace dignity and ethics, with an interdisciplinary and sociological approach. She also promotes creative and critical pedagogies

For further information, please contact business-school-research@glasgow.ac.uk

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First published: 26 August 2025

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