Master

The seminar (2 contact hours per week) addresses current questions concerning the transformation of employment and work in the context of the Twin Transformation – the simultaneous shift towards a digitalized and sustainable economy and society. Based on discussions of the current international state of research, students identify relevant research questions, which they will address in their final seminar paper. Overall, the seminar enables students to develop an analytical and critical understanding of contemporary developments in the world of work in relation to the Twin Transformation.

The seminar can be chosen within several focus areas, and registration procedures differ accordingly:

• For students specializing in “Organizational Behavior”: Seats are allocated via the annual survey (from mid-December to mid-January) conducted by the Department of Corporate Management (Prof. Dr. Marion Büttgen).
• For students specializing in “Entrepreneurship, Innovation & Sustainability”: Seats are allocated through the application process organized by the Department of Entrepreneurship (Prof. Dr. Andreas Kuckertz).
• For students specializing in “Digital Business Management”: Seat allocation takes place from February 2–8, 2026, and is organized by the Department of Sociology (Prof. Dr. Caroline Ruiner). The registration link will be available here during that period (starting February 2, 2026, 12:00 p.m.).

For any questions, please contact ronny.ehlen@uni-hohenheim.de.

The lecture (3 SWS) focuses on the transformation of employment and working relationships in the context of new forms of employment, flexibilized collaboration and changing demands of employers and employees. It addresses the distinction between traditional and “new employment relationships” and examines the related issues at a societal, organizational and individual level. Students gain a profound and critical understanding of the scientific discussion on the development of the world of work. They learn to analyze key developments in employment and working relationships and to reflect on their effects.

In this course (3 teaching hours per week), students acquire in-depth knowledge of theoretical perspectives in the sociology of work, organizations, and economics. They are able to relate current societal trends to changes in work, organizations, and the economy. They become familiar with relevant and current research findings and can critically reflect on them, particularly regarding challenges facing employees and managers. The aim of the course is to illuminate the transformation of the working world from a social science perspective, critically reflect on it, and develop concrete measures for shaping work relationships.