Cubed: A Secret History of the Workplace is a non-fiction book written by Nikil Saval. The book explores the history of the workplace and how it has evolved over time. It delves into the various factors that have shaped the workplace, including technology, architecture, and management theory. The book also examines the impact of these changes on workers and their experiences in the workplace.
Chapter 1: The Office and Its Discontents
The first chapter of Cubed introduces the concept of the workplace and how it has evolved over time. Saval traces the history of the office back to the early 19th century, when the factory system was first introduced. He notes that the factory system was designed to maximize efficiency and productivity, but it also had a profound impact on the lives of workers. The chapter also discusses the rise of the office as a separate space from the factory, and how this separation led to new ways of organizing work.
Chapter 2: The Cubicle and Its Discontents
In the second chapter, Saval delves into the history of the cubicle and how it became the dominant form of office design. He notes that the cubicle was designed to maximize efficiency and productivity, but it also had a profound impact on the lives of workers. The chapter also discusses the backlash against the cubicle in the 1970s and 1980s, and how this led to new forms of office design.
Chapter 3: The Computer and Its Discontents
The third chapter of Cubed explores the impact of technology on the workplace. Saval notes that the introduction of the computer revolutionized the way work was done, but it also had a profound impact on the lives of workers. The chapter also discusses the rise of the information economy and how this has changed the way work is organized.
Chapter 4: The Manager and His Discontents
In the fourth chapter, Saval examines the history of management theory and how it has shaped the way work is organized. He notes that management theory has evolved over time, but it has always been focused on maximizing efficiency and productivity. The chapter also discusses the impact of management theory on workers and their experiences in the workplace.
Chapter 5: The Future of Work
The final chapter of Cubed looks towards the future of work. Saval notes that the introduction of new technologies and the rise of the information economy have fundamentally changed the way work is done. He also discusses the potential impact of these changes on workers and their experiences in the workplace.
Conclusion
Overall, Cubed: A Secret History of the Workplace is a thought-provoking book that explores the history of the workplace and how it has evolved over time. Saval’s analysis of the various factors that have shaped the workplace, including technology, architecture, and management theory, is insightful and thought-provoking. The book also provides a valuable perspective on the impact of these changes on workers and their experiences in the workplace. Whether you are interested in the history of the workplace or simply looking for a thought-provoking read, Cubed is definitely worth reading.
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