Multi-contextuality in boundary-spanning practices

被引:70
作者
Lindgren, Rikard [1 ]
Andersson, Magnus [1 ]
Henfridsson, Ola [1 ,2 ]
机构
[1] Viktoria Inst, S-41756 Gothenburg, Sweden
[2] Jonkoping Univ, Jonkoping Int Business Sch, SE-55111 Jonkoping, Sweden
关键词
boundary spanning; innovation; multi-contextuality; sensor technology; ubiquitous computing environments; work practice;
D O I
10.1111/j.1365-2575.2007.00245.x
中图分类号
G25 [图书馆学、图书馆事业]; G35 [情报学、情报工作];
学科分类号
1205 ; 120501 ;
摘要
The capability to establish boundary-spanning practices within and across organizations has for long been recognized as a key strategic resource. As organizations are becoming distributed and dynamic, they will be increasingly populated by multiple functional, geographical, hierarchical and professional boundaries. The inherent complexity of such settings makes it difficult for organizations to leverage their boundary-spanning practices. Information technology (IT) systems have been hailed as a critical enabler of boundary spanning. However, there is little knowledge on how organizations are affected by the introduction of different types of IT systems. Building on an interpretive case study of Swedish transport organizations, this paper explores consequences of sensor technology for boundary spanning. The paper contributes with an understanding of what coexisting use contexts mean for boundary-spanning practices. A theoretical implication is that such multi-contextuality requires an integrative view on boundary spanning that combines insights from the organizational innovation and work practice literatures.
引用
收藏
页码:641 / 661
页数:21
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