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Summary
Charles Wright Mills (August 28, 1916 March 20, 1962) was an American sociologist, and a professor of sociology at Columbia University from 1946 until his death in 1962. Craftsmanship is skill in a particular craft. The essayist provides the six features of craftsmanship.
a) According to the writer, the craftsman works for pleasure. He enjoys in his work. He gives whole attention on the quality of his product. He thinks that there is an inner relation between the craftsman and the thing he makes. To create anything, first of all, he forms an image in the mind. Then he produces the product. For him, money, reputation or salvation (preservation) are subordinate (lower in rank or position). Work gratification (satisfaction) is main thing for him.
b) In most statements of craftsmanship, there is a confusion between the legal organization of the worker and the product. If the producer does not legally own the product, he must own it psychologically because there is close attachment between the product and the producer. The craftsman knows the skill, sweat, and material which were used while making the product. He has an image of the completed product though he does not make it all. He sees the place of his part in the whole.
c) Craftsman is master of the activity and of himself in the process because he is free to begin his work according to his own plan. He is also free to modify its form and the manner of its creation. He is responsible for outcome and free to assume responsibility. If he wants to shape the final outcome, he himself solve his problems and difficulties.
d) The craftsman’s work is really a means of developing his skill and a means of developing himself as a man. He can reveal him to the world through his work.
e) In craftsmanship, there is no difference between work and play or work and culture. The play is supposed to be an activity, exercised for its own sake. An actor gets satisfaction and pleasure by acting in the play. Similarly work is also an activity performed to create economic value. Craftsman also gets satisfaction and pleasure from his work. In fact, the simple self-expression of play and the creation of work are combined as craftsmanship. Similarly, work and culture are not separable. In the craft model of activity, consumption and production are mixed together. In fact, active craftsmanship is both play and work.
f) Craftsman thinks to give freshness originality even in his leisure time. If he does not think about the product in his leisure time, his rest is only like animal rest. To give freshness in work, craftsman should meditate upon producing material.
Questions
1) What are the six major features associated with craftsmanship?
Ans: Write summary
2) In what sense are work and culture not separate spheres (field or area)?
Ans: Work and culture are not separate spheres because either work or culture may be an end in itself. For the craftsman there is no break between the world of culture and work.
3) What is the craftsman’s work?
Ans: Craftsman’s work is his property and identity. He can reveal him all over the world through his work. He is also the master of the activity because he is free to begin his work according to his own plan. He is also free to modify its form and the manner of its creation.
4) Write an essay on the creativity of work.
Ans: Simply, “creativity” means the ability to use imagination to produce a new idea or product. It is the use of imagination or original ideas to create something; inventiveness. Creativity involves transforming your ideas, imagination, and dreams into reality. When you’re being creative, you can see the hidden patterns, and come up with new ideas. Creative ability depends on creative thinking. Creativity brings a new solution to a problem, a new method or device, or a new artistic object or form. You might be wondering what does creativity do for a business or organization? It is very important in workplace. It is creativity, that keeps your business moving forward with fresh new ideas and innovation. This includes new products or services. Applying creative thinking in your everyday work, life will stop the drudgery (donkey work) and you will be able to unlock more meaningful results. The main three benefits of fostering creativity in the workplace are:
a) Creativity Builds Better Teamwork: Creativity inspires employees to work with each other. The creative process encourages collaboration. In businesses, it is most important to encourage employees to seek new information, knowledge and new ways to do things. Many unique ideas may come from the team.
b) Creativity Improves the Ability to Attract and hold Employees: When creativity is encouraged, employees are more content with their jobs and are committed to the company.
c) Creativity Increases Problem-Solving: With the ability to think creatively, employees are more likely to come up with unique and innovative solutions to the obstacles they encounter. This eagerness to solve problems can lead to new ways to accomplish tasks and adds to a more efficiently run business. Since the creativity is the most valued skill, it generates a positive impact on the “Return on Investment” and creative people are independent thinkers and innovative with problem-solving.
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