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Network: Theorizing Knowledge Work in Telecommunications
How does a telecommunications company function when its right hand often doesn’t know what its left hand is doing? How do rapidly expanding, interdisciplinary organizations hold together and perform their knowledge work? In this book, Clay Spinuzzi draws on two warring theories of work activity – activity theory and actor-network theory – to examine the networks of activity that make a telecommunications company work and thrive. In doing so, Spinuzzi calls a truce between the two theories, bringing them to the negotiating table to parley about work. Specifically, about net the coordinative work that connects, coordinates, and stabilizes polycontextual work activities. To develop this uneasy dialogue, Spinuzzi examines the texts, trades, and technologies at play at Telecorp, both historically and empirically. Drawing on both theories, Spinuzzi provides new insights into how net work actually works and how our theories and research methods can be extended to better understand it.
230 pages, ebook
First published November 3, 2008
5 people want to read
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December 28, 2012
Spinuzzi attempts several challenging goals with one text. It is primarily a discussion of the operations of a telecommunications company in Texas, the product of his time spent studying the company and interviewing its employees. He provides relevant details as needed and reaches compelling conclusions about the nature of work in an industry that is constantly in flux and a company that is, according to Spinuzzi, all border with no middle.
He also works to set activity theory and actor-network theory in conversation. He uses observations from the company's processes as a springboard to explore how the two theoretical perspectives function in their ability to make sense and meaning from the company.
Among his valuable conclusions is the nature of what he calls "net work"—knowledge work performed in interconnected, rhizomal systems. He argues that net work cannot be understood through activity theory because of the flexibility and centerless nature of the work, but that actor-network theory cannot account for the learning happening within the organization or its ability to function as a whole.
Well-organized and clear, the text is helpful in showing how the relevant theories function (including a solid chapter of background and introduction to the theories). The language fluctuates between academic/theoretical and conversational/familiar at odd times and occasionally in jolting ways. However, these changes help ground Spinuzzi's theories and allow him to connect them with his examples.
He also works to set activity theory and actor-network theory in conversation. He uses observations from the company's processes as a springboard to explore how the two theoretical perspectives function in their ability to make sense and meaning from the company.
Among his valuable conclusions is the nature of what he calls "net work"—knowledge work performed in interconnected, rhizomal systems. He argues that net work cannot be understood through activity theory because of the flexibility and centerless nature of the work, but that actor-network theory cannot account for the learning happening within the organization or its ability to function as a whole.
Well-organized and clear, the text is helpful in showing how the relevant theories function (including a solid chapter of background and introduction to the theories). The language fluctuates between academic/theoretical and conversational/familiar at odd times and occasionally in jolting ways. However, these changes help ground Spinuzzi's theories and allow him to connect them with his examples.
Displaying 1 of 1 review