Residual Humanism: Schatzki, Digital Objects and Organizational Practice

Morgan-Thomas, A. (2015) Residual Humanism: Schatzki, Digital Objects and Organizational Practice. 5th Organisations, Artifacts and Practices Conference, Sydney, Australia, 07-08 Dec 2015. (Unpublished)

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Abstract

Focusing on the ontological principles of practice, the paper advances an activity-based theory of socio- technical entanglement. The paper aims to make three contributions to theory. Firstly, by examining how theories of practices have been conceptualized and analytically deployed in the study of sociomateriality, the paper provides important insights concerning the ontological status of practice and its implications for techno- organizational research. Secondly, by explicating how Schatzki’s treatment of practices differs form alternative approaches and how its use may be advantageous in the study of socio-technical entanglements, the paper challenges the assumption that an activity theory does not lend itself for the study of technologies in organizing. Thirdly, by extending Schatzki’s theory of practice to the study of techno-organizational phenomena, the study offers a novel application of an activity theory. Whilst promoting one view of practice, the paper also acknowledges that this is but one theory and that diversity of approaches is warranted and indeed desirable. The purpose here is to enrich rather than seek conceptual closure for the study of socio-technical phenomena.

Item Type:Conference or Workshop Item
Status:Unpublished
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Morgan-Thomas, Professor Anna
Authors: Morgan-Thomas, A.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management
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