Part I. Theoretical Perspectives.- 1. New Forms of Work in the Post-corporate Economy: Venture Labor, Contract Work and Freelancing.- 2. Reason and Rationality in Organization Studies: Employee Motivation.- Part II. Empirical Data.- 3. Passion: The Motivations behind Venture Work.- 4. Interest: The Goal of Reducing Uncertainty.- 5. Salaried Work in a Financial Economy: Market Risk.

‘What motivates contemporary workers who can no longer rely on a stable employment in corporations? Alexander Styhre offers unique insights into this question in his book.  Having taken a close look at venture work, contract work and freelancing, Styhre throws a new light on the changing patterns of work and employment.’Sabina Siebert, Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow, UKThis book contributes to the ongoing discussion around so-called precarious or venture work, as the proportion of those employed by start-ups and thinly-capitalized firms continues to grow. Filling a gap in literature, the author explores the relationship between venture co-workers and examines how they cope with economic uncertainty, moving away from the previous focus on entrepreneurs and investors. Presenting rich empirical data from several life science start-ups in Sweden, this book illustrates the impact of institutional and regulatory changesin the finance industry, and demonstrates how these effects can ultimately reshape the meaning of employment.

“What motivates contemporary workers who can no longer rely on a stable employment in corporations? Alexander Styhre offers unique insights into this question in his book.  Having taken a close look at venture work, contract work and freelancing, Styhre throws a new light on the changing patterns of work and employment.” (Sabina Siebert, Adam Smith Business School, University of Glasgow, UK)    

Introduces the concept of venture work, whilst addressing changes in employment relations and industrial policy Provides an overview of literature that examines how social norms, economic compensation, and other factors influence career choices Offers first-hand empirical material collected from Swedish life science start-ups, substantiating the claim that venture work is on the rise in proportion to regular employment