At the Work Research Institute we aim to produce systematic knowledge on working life. We employ close to 60 researchers and have a particular interest in forms of organization and leadership that promote the collective ability to learn, cooperate and adapt, and thereby create a better working environment.
Professional profile and aim
The Institute engages in multidisciplinary research on the basis of social studies. Broad thematic priorities rooted in the demands of working life are emphasized. A major part of our research is action and user-oriented. The Institute’s history is linked to an action research tradition where participatory development work is central. Through its research the Institute intends to provide new knowledge about trends in working life at an early stage. We offer development work, qualitative and quantitative empirical studies as well as general formation of theory.
Commissioners
In addition to the basic funding we receive from the Research Council of Norway, AFI's income derives from the private sector (the process industry, food industry, media corporations and branch unions), government funds, directorates and municipalities, as well as from foreign enterprises and organizations. Moreover, the Institute receives grant funding from the Research Council of Norway, the EU and the Nordic Council of Ministers.
Competencies
AFI is an interdisciplinary research institute. The main emphasis is on sociology, psychology and anthropology, but while you are very likely to run into a social scientist at AFI, the Institute also employs researchers with degrees from various other fields, such as medicine, philosophy, history, journalism and economics. Most of our researchers have a PhD-degree or hold associate professorships.
History
After several decades as an independent research institute, AFI became part of what is now Oslo Metropolitan University in 2014. We are proud to be part of the Centre of Labour and Welfare Research (SVA), along with our sister institutes NOVA, SIFO and NIBR.
