How Value Chains Grow in the IT Sector - R&D, Software Development and IT Support Services and How This Affects Work

Abstract

This contribution examines companies’ and public-sector organisations’ external restructuring processes, with consideration of emerging or lengthening value chains and network relationships in the service sector. Focusing on three business functions – software development in the IT industry, R&D in the IT industry and IT services for public-sector organisations – the paper describes the types of inter-organisational relations that emerge and analyses the impact of restructuring on employment conditions and work organisation. The business functions clearly differ according to the form that restructuring takes and with regard to the impact of restructuring on work and employment. Common trends include increased insecurity, growing flexibility demands and higher levels of standardisation and formalisation of work.