[An introductory vision of the quality of life in work]

The present paper refers to an introductory study about "Quality of work life" (QWL), subject which requires a growing importance in certain organizations. At first it is a discussion on the origin of this movement and its conceptualization by some authors. Afterwards two approaches to QWL are exposed--the classical and the situational. This is a classification used by the authors themselves to emphasize the original, conventional concept of QWL and to differentiate it from the second approach which is really situational and which has a broader sense, adapting to reality and to the context of the organization. The paper concludes with a reflection on the future courses of organizations, its human resources and QWL.