The Corrosion of Character (Paperback)

Richard Sennett helps us understand the intense contrast between two worlds of work: the rigidity of hierarchical organizations focused on the sense of personal character, which is disappearing, and the brave new world of corporate reengineering, with risk, flexibility, networking, and teams that work together for a short period of time, in which what matters is that each person is able to reinvent themselves at all times.

The Corrosion of Character offers us important insights into the political and social context of the pre- and post-globalized world. In his work, Sennett explores the contemporary scenario, represented by Enrico's son, Rico, whose life is more materially successful, albeit in a different context, in which work is no longer a long-term commitment or one with more permanent meanings. Drawing on interviews with laid-off IBM executives in New York, employees of a modern Boston bakery, an employee-turned-advertising executive, and many others, Sennett analyzes the disorienting effects of the new capitalism. He reveals the stark contrast between two worlds of work: that of rigid hierarchical organizations, where a sense of personal character was all that mattered; and the brave new world of corporate reengineering, risk, flexibility, network marketing, and short-term teams, where the key is the ability to reinvent oneself constantly. In some respects, the changes that mark the new capitalism are positive: after all, it cannot be denied that they have built a dynamic economy. But they can also erode the sense of purpose, integrity, and mutual trust—factors that previous generations viewed as essential to forging personal character.

The Corrosion of Character was chosen by Business Week magazine as one of the best books of 1998, the year of its original publication.