Combining Actor Network Theory and Genre Theory to Understand the Evolution of Digital Genres
01 Jan 2008-Vol. 8, Iss: 20, pp 36
TL;DR: In this article, a combination of Actor-Network Theory (ANT) and Genre Theory can constitute a theoretical framework for understanding how digital genres evolve, which can capture the process of how a genre takes form in negotiations with different stakeholders.
Abstract: In this paper we argue that a combination of Actor-Network Theory (ANT) and Genre Theory can constitute a theoretical framework for understanding how digital genres evolve. Genre theory states that genres evolve over time through reciprocal interaction between institutionalized practices and individual action; that they develop from actors’ responses to recurrent situations, and are shaped around characteristics as content, form, functionality and purpose. Genres emerge out of practice and at the same time they shape that practice. While genre theory can describe the characteristics of a genre, it cannot handle the process of how a genre is formed and what powers and forces are involved in this shaping process. In order to address this problem, several authors have incorporated structuration theory into genre analysis. However, structuration theory can only catch these constitutional processes of genre in a very broad manner. As a genre is evolving and stabilizing over time in interplay with different actors, it goes beyond what is possible to explain only by means of structuration theory. Instead, ANT could work as a tool to capture the process of how a genre takes form in negotiations with different stakeholders. In this paper we discuss how genre theory and ANT can be combined in a framework for analyzing emerging genres. We apply this theoretical framework on an e-newspaper project that embodies a new genre in the making. We will here show how evolving genre characteristics are developed, formed and stabilized in a negotiation and struggle between the involved actors when they translate their interests in ways that finally are resulting in a new genre.
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TL;DR: The present article aims to demonstrate usage of the design research paradigm through a methodological analysis of recent cadastral research, which addresses information system issues and within this context, designs information system artefact.
47 citations
Dissertation•
01 Jan 2015
TL;DR: In this article, the actor network theory (ANT) from the socio-technological perspective was applied in order to analyze the development of the e-participation framework for public participation in Malaysia.
Abstract: Electronic participation (e-participation) is a research domain that focuses on the development of information and communication technology (ICT) to support participation in a nation‟s governance processes. One of the problems in
implementing this process in Malaysia is the lack of participation from its citizens in
providing inputs to be used in the nation‟s public policy formulation processes. In
addition, there is a lack of research on e-participation and framework that supports the
public policy formulation. Therefore, in this study, the researcher attempts to look at how the public can involve and play their part in the process of drafting the nation‟s public policies by utilizing the information technology mechanism. The main objective of this study is to develop a framework for the implementation of eparticipation in the public policy formulation processes. To achieve this objective, the public‟s levels of perception and satisfaction with the current Government‟s eparticipation initiatives in the public policy formulation and implementation process are identified. Questionnaires, interviews, observations, and analysis of relevant documents were the methods used in this study. Actor Network Theory (ANT) from the socio-technological perspective was applied in this study in order to analyze the development of the e-participation framework. The proposed e-participation framework was then assessed using the Delphi Method to seek the consensus from the experts appointed. As a result, the e-participation framework for public participation in Malaysia was successfully developed. This e-participation framework enables people to jointly contribute towards the formulation of public policy. From the
theoretical perspective, the framework implies that ANT provides a strong foundation for policy making process of aligning the heterogeneous nature of public participation. In practice, the ICT tools for public participation will hopefully enable a wider participation in contributing to a democratic practice.
5 citations
01 Jan 2008
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present a survey of the state-of-the-art media houses publishing in multiple channels, which also exist in a multitude of infrastructures.
Abstract: As most of today’s media houses publish in multiple channels, they also exist in a multitude of infrastructures. Given the ongoing diffusion of personal computers, handheld devices, and mobile tele ...
4 citations
Journal Article•
TL;DR: The purpose is to present library OPAC as a communication genre in its mutability based on the idea of OPAC development as a transition to subsequent OPAC generations.
Abstract: The purpose is to present library OPAC as a communication genre in its mutability. The paper is based on the idea of OPAC development as a transition to subsequent OPAC generations. Every generation, in the light of genre theory, can be treated as a subgenre with its own communication purpose. As such, it is subject to transformations caused by information technology development. OPAC development is described as an electronic genre transition process, which allows for distinguishing eight OPAC subgenre generations. They were distinguished based on socio-historical development of the genre system and were described according to Shepherd and Watters1 genre development model. These subgenres are then subjected to genres analysis revealing their basic characteristics (purpose, form and functionality).
4 citations
01 Oct 2018
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors present the role of information genres in individual (non-institutionalized) information management on the example of a genre system called notes or information scraps created in a traditional way (without the use of electronic tools).
Abstract: Purpose/Thesis: The aim of the article is to present the role of information genres in individual (non-institutionalized) information management on the example of a genre system called notes or information scraps created in a traditional way (without the use of electronic tools). Approach/Methods: The group of students was studied with two complementary methods: an unstructured interview with agenda and the content analysis of collected empirical material (handwritten notes). The interview enabled researchers to collect respondents’ opinions on the purposes of using notes. The form and information content of the collected notes was analyzed. This method enabled the information scraps genre analysis, which, according to the literature of the field, should concern three characteristics of the genre: purpose, content and form, including language. Results and conclusions: Information scraps are a genre system supporting information management. Their form and content are adjusted to the communication purposes: cognitive, affective, aesthetic and educational ones. They are used in the case of standardized and repetitive communication activities. Originality/Value: The use of information scraps in individual activities helps create a common ground for the group activities, hence the genre discussed, just as any other genre, supports social communication activities.
1 citations
References
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Book•
01 Jan 1994
TL;DR: In the field of qualitative data analysis, qualitative data is extremely varied in nature. It includes virtually any information that can be captured that is not numerical in nature as mentioned in this paper, which is a generalization of direct observation.
Abstract: Qualitative data is extremely varied in nature. It includes virtually any information that can be captured that is not numerical in nature. Here are some of the major categories or types:
In-Depth Interviews
In-Depth Interviews include both individual interviews (e.g., one-on-one) as well as "group" interviews (including focus groups). The data can be recorded in a wide variety of ways including stenography, audio recording, video recording or written notes. In depth interviews differ from direct observation primarily in the nature of the interaction. In interviews it is assumed that there is a questioner and one or more interviewees. The purpose of the interview is to probe the ideas of the interviewees about the phenomenon of interest.
Direct Observation
Direct observation is meant very broadly here. It differs from interviewing in that the observer does not actively query the respondent. It can include everything from field research where one lives in another context or culture for a period of time to photographs that illustrate some aspect of the phenomenon. The data can be recorded in many of the same ways as interviews (stenography, audio, video) and through pictures, photos or drawings (e.g., those courtroom drawings of witnesses are a form of direct observation).
Written Documents
Usually this refers to existing documents (as opposed transcripts of interviews conducted for the research). It can include newspapers, magazines, books, websites, memos, transcripts of conversations, annual reports, and so on. Usually written documents are analyzed with some form of content analysis.
sumber : http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/qualdata.php
18,082 citations
01 Sep 1985
TL;DR: In this article, a continuously conveyed series of uniformly dimensioned panels of thin sheet material are counted and stacked from the bottom against an abutment edge of a stationary but rotatable cam plate.
Abstract: A continuously conveyed series of uniformly dimensioned panels of thin sheet material are counted and stacked from the bottom against an abutment edge of a stationary but rotatable cam plate. When a predetermined number of panels is collected in the stack, the cam plate is rotated to lift the stack into a rotating roll nip for conveyance to a second roll nip. Removal of the stack from the proximity of the collecting cam plate is completed by the second roll nip after the collecting cam has resumed a stationary, collecting position.
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TL;DR: In this article, the authors describe a scientific and economic controversy about the causes for the decline in the population of scallops in St. Brieuc Bay and the attempts by three marine biologists to develop a conservation strategy for that population.
Abstract: This paper outlines a new approach to the study of power, that of the sociology of translation. Starting from three principles, those of agnosticism (impartiality between actors engaged in controversy), generalised symmetry (the commitment to explain conflicting viewpoints in the same terms) and free association (the abandonment of all a priori distinctions between the natural and the social), the paper describes a scientific and economic controversy about the causes for the decline in the population of scallops in St. Brieuc Bay and the attempts by three marine biologists to develop a conservation strategy for that population. Four ‘moments’ of translation are discerned in the attempts by these researchers to impose themselves and their definition of the situation on others: (a) problematisation: the researchers sought to become indispensable to other actors in the drama by denning the nature and the problems of the latter and then suggesting that these would be resolved if the actors negotiated the ‘obl...
5,884 citations
"Combining Actor Network Theory and ..." refers background in this paper
...(Callon, 1986)....
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...An intermediary is anything passing between actors, which define the relationship between them (Callon, 1986)....
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...The actor tries to establish itself as an obligatory passage point (Callon, 1986) making itself absolutely...
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...The actor tries to establish itself as an obligatory passage point (Callon, 1986) making itself absolutely necessary for the other actors....
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Book•
01 Jan 1982
TL;DR: Shils's attempt to work out a macrocrosociological theory which does justice both to the spiritual and intellectual dispositions and powers of the mind and to the reality of the larger society is an enterprise that has spanned several decades as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Edward Shils's attempt to work out a macrosociological theory which does justice both to the spiritual and intellectual dispositions and powers of the mind and to the reality of the larger society is an enterprise that has spanned several decades. In his steps toward the development of this theory he has not proceeded deductively; rather he has worked from his own concrete observations of Western, Asian, and African societies. Thus, despite the inevitable abstractness of marcrosociological theory, the papers in this volume-which have been published separately since the Second World War-have a quality of vivid substantiality that makes the theoretical statements they present easier to comprehend. Professor Shils has attempted to develop a theory that has a place for more than those parts of society that are generated from the biological nature of human beings and those parts that are engendered by the desires of individuals, acting for themselves or for groups and categories of individuals, to maintain and increase their power over other human beings and to secure material goods and services for themselves. He has argued that there are constituents of society in which human beings seek and cultivate connections with objects that transcend those needed to satisfy biological necessity and the desire for material objects and power over others. This third stratum of social existence, he concludes, cannot be reduced to the other two and cannot be disregarded in any serious attempt to understand the function of any society. Thus Edward Shils, without disregarding its many valuable achievements, has nevertheless parted ways with much of modern sociology. For this collection of papers the author has written an introductory intellectual autobiography that places each essay in the setting of the development of his thought and that connects it with his other writings.
5,272 citations
"Combining Actor Network Theory and ..." refers background in this paper
...Both Berkenkotter and Huckin (1995) and Yates and Orlikowski, (1992) use Giddens (1984) concept of duality of structure to relate genre to structuration processes....
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...In IS genre theory, the focus has been on what Giddens (1984) aimed at with the idea of the duality of structure, namely to analyse social structure as both the medium and the outcome of social action, which makes it an interesting perspective for genre analysis....
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