Collection of Experiences in the Introduction of New Work in German Organizations with Special Consideration of the Concept of the Community of Practice

This thesis will be published here end of this year (2025) after publication.

Abstract

In today’s rapidly evolving world, organizations are confronted with growing complexity and constant change. Internally, younger generations—especially Generation Z and Millennials—are reshaping workplace expectations, demanding autonomy, flexible hours, and the freedom to work from anywhere. Externally, global crises such as wars, pandemics, and climate change pressure traditional organizational models. While many companies still rely on hierarchical structures, these are often too rigid to effectively respond to today’s dynamic environment. As a result, there is a growing need for organizations with flexible structures and innovative ways of working. New Work has emerged as a framework to meet these demands, offering transformative concepts such as evolutionary teal organizations. These organizations prioritize self-management, wholeness, and an evolving sense of purpose, allowing them to adapt quickly and meaningfully to emerging challenges. Within this context, Communities of Practice serve as vital enablers of bottom-up change, supporting knowledge sharing and continuous learning across all levels of an organization. This thesis provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of New Work. It addresses two central research questions: (1) What are the key characteristics of New Work, and how do they align with the concept of Communities of Practice? and (2) What are the practical experiences with the introduction and implementation of New Work in organizations? By combining a systematic literature review with qualitative, semi-structured interviews, this study identifies key success factors such as leadership transformation, psychological empowerment, and open knowledge exchange. It also highlights common barriers, including cultural resistance, unclear implementation strategies, and limited resources. The findings contribute actionable insights for organizations aiming to adopt New Work in a sustainable and impactful way.

Research Questions

1. What are the key characteristics of New Work, and do the concepts of Communities of Practice and New Work align?
2. What are experiences with the introduction and implementation of New Work?