Giddens's Structuration Theory
01 Jan 2006-pp 155-188
About: The article was published on 2006-01-01. It has received 2 citations till now. The article focuses on the topics: Structuration theory.
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Proceedings Article•
01 Jan 2004
TL;DR: It is proposed that organizational myths can be used to evaluate the nature and outcomes of information technology use in particular operating contexts, by permitting an enframing or disclosure of critical contradictions and tensions arising in such contexts.
Abstract: This paper introduces the concept of myth, a dominant image on which an organizing vision may be formulated. It is proposed that organizational myths can be used to evaluate the nature and outcomes of information technology use in particular operating contexts, by permitting an enframing or disclosure of critical contradictions and tensions arising in such contexts. An analytical schema, the semiotic square, is described for clarifying oppositional and associative relationships between elements of work performance or IT usage, from the standpoint of mythical framing. The paper’s proposition is illustrated through a case study analysis of customer service operations at a call center, pivoted on the discrepancies between the rhetorical formulation of the center’s organizing vision (i.e., its myth) and the complex realities of IT-based work organization and performance. The deconstruction of a myth presents a relatively inclusive standpoint from which an analyst can take into account the contested nature of performance evaluation in IT usage. This approach also addresses the ontological basis of the significance (or value) of performance, which is seen to be constituted negatively. This study suggests that fruitful scope exists for investigating the way rhetorical forms articulate with IT use in the contemporary workplace.
9 citations
01 Jan 2005
TL;DR: In this article, the relevance of Giddens' structural theory to empirical research has been examined and the pro's and contra's of this theory in the light of empirical research are summarized.
Abstract: Giddens’ structuration theory is a widely appreciated attempt to bridge the old dualism between ‘agency’ and ‘structure’ in sociology. Theoretically, this theory has brought about an enormous amount of reactions. However, the question of the relevance of the theory to empirical research has been neglected thus far in the critical evaluation of Giddens’ work. This question is the focus of this paper. First we examine Giddens’ theoretical views and those of his critics on this subject. Furthermore, the paper discusses three empirical researches from different disciplines inspired by structuration theory. Based on this information the pro’s and contra’s of structuration theory in the light of empirical research are summarized.
5 citations
Cites background from "Giddens's Structuration Theory"
...Een bijkomende reden om voor dit onderzoek te kiezen, was dat Layder (1994) ook op theoretisch vlak bezig geweest is met de structuratietheorie....
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...Volgens sommige critici is het nagenoeg onmogelijk iets met deze theorie te doen in concreet empirisch onderzoek (o.a. Archer, 1982; Gregson, 1987, 1989; Vaughan, 1999), andere auteurs zien het positiever in (o.a. Cohen 1989; Craib, 1992; Layder, 1994; Phipps, 2001; Thrift, 1985)....
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...Layder (1994) is het niet eens met de critici die stellen dat de structuratietheorie een typische abstracte theorie is die weinig relevant is voor reële aardse zaken....
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References
More filters
Proceedings Article•
01 Jan 2004
TL;DR: It is proposed that organizational myths can be used to evaluate the nature and outcomes of information technology use in particular operating contexts, by permitting an enframing or disclosure of critical contradictions and tensions arising in such contexts.
Abstract: This paper introduces the concept of myth, a dominant image on which an organizing vision may be formulated. It is proposed that organizational myths can be used to evaluate the nature and outcomes of information technology use in particular operating contexts, by permitting an enframing or disclosure of critical contradictions and tensions arising in such contexts. An analytical schema, the semiotic square, is described for clarifying oppositional and associative relationships between elements of work performance or IT usage, from the standpoint of mythical framing. The paper’s proposition is illustrated through a case study analysis of customer service operations at a call center, pivoted on the discrepancies between the rhetorical formulation of the center’s organizing vision (i.e., its myth) and the complex realities of IT-based work organization and performance. The deconstruction of a myth presents a relatively inclusive standpoint from which an analyst can take into account the contested nature of performance evaluation in IT usage. This approach also addresses the ontological basis of the significance (or value) of performance, which is seen to be constituted negatively. This study suggests that fruitful scope exists for investigating the way rhetorical forms articulate with IT use in the contemporary workplace.
9 citations
01 Jan 2005
TL;DR: In this article, the relevance of Giddens' structural theory to empirical research has been examined and the pro's and contra's of this theory in the light of empirical research are summarized.
Abstract: Giddens’ structuration theory is a widely appreciated attempt to bridge the old dualism between ‘agency’ and ‘structure’ in sociology. Theoretically, this theory has brought about an enormous amount of reactions. However, the question of the relevance of the theory to empirical research has been neglected thus far in the critical evaluation of Giddens’ work. This question is the focus of this paper. First we examine Giddens’ theoretical views and those of his critics on this subject. Furthermore, the paper discusses three empirical researches from different disciplines inspired by structuration theory. Based on this information the pro’s and contra’s of structuration theory in the light of empirical research are summarized.
5 citations