Title: Emotional labour, care work and HRM between wishful theory and obstinate reality

Authors: Peggy De Prins

Addresses: Faculty of Applied Economics, Department of Management, University Anwerp Management School, University of Antwerp, Prinsstraat 13, 2000 Antwerpen, Belgium

Abstract: In this paper, care is defined as a form of work whereby cognition, skill and emotionality are closely interconnected. The recognition of the emotional nature of care constitutes an important link to further professional development and to tailor-made HRM for the care professions. The discourse that is developed within the context of this position is tested empirically. We rely on the findings of a case study and a survey of nurses and caregivers in rest and nursing homes. This confrontation shall allow us to draw conclusions with regard to the singularity of the care profession.

Keywords: emotional labour; care work; HRM; professionalisation; craft development; emotional management; rest homes; nursing homes; work emotion; human resources management; caring professions.

DOI: 10.1504/IJWOE.2007.017018

International Journal of Work Organisation and Emotion, 2007 Vol.2 No.2, pp.186 - 201

Published online: 04 Feb 2008 *

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