Introduction to Internal Crowdsourcing: Theoretical Foundations and Practical Applications

Abstract

The research landscape in the area of forecasting and assessing working conditions has become increasingly difficult to understand. There are plenty of identified reasons, drivers and catchwords to describe a systemic transformation. Individual- and subject-specific approaches to describe and understand the changes to work are being developed in almost every scientific discipline, as well as by (economic) associations and actors in the sociopolitical spheres. Despite all complexity and contradictions, ‘digitalization’ seems to be one focal point when it comes to identifying independent variables to explain the ‘future of work’. The corresponding discussions, analyses, recommendations and scenarios can be found under the well-known headings ‘Work 4.0’, ‘Industry 4.0’, ‘Education 4.0’, ‘Society 4.0’, etc. In addition to systemic descriptions, oftentimes dominated by economics and business management approaches, there are changing individual, subject-inherent perceptual understandings indicating a change in social values with regard to work and its function. Ultimately, for the majority of the population and the (welfare) state, work remains the necessary prerequisite for financially securing their livelihoods.