This chapter introduces activity theory as an approach for studying strategy as practice. Activity theory conceptualizes the ongoing construction of activity as a product of activity systems, comprising the actor, the community with which that actor interacts and those symbolic and material tools that mediate between actors, their community and their pursuit of activity. The focus on the mediating role of tools and cultural artefacts in human activity seems especially promising for advancing the strategy-as-practice agenda, for example as a theoretical resource for the growing interest in sociomateriality and the role of tools and artefacts in (strategy) practice (for example, Balogun et al. 2014; Lanzara 2009; Nicolini 2009; Spee and Jarzabkowski 2009; Stetsenko 2005). Despite its potential, in a recent review Vaara and Whittington (2012) identified only three strategy-as-practice articles explicitly applying an activity theory lens. In the wider area of practice-based studies in organizations, activity theory has been slightly more popular (for example, Blackler 1993; 1995; Blackler, Crump and McDonald 2000; Engestrom, Kerosuo and Kajamaa 2007; Groleau 2006; Holt 2008; Miettinen and Virkkunen 2005). It still lags behind its potential, however, primarily because of its origins as a social psychology theory developed in Russia with little initial recognition outside the Russian context, particularly in the area of strategy and organization theory, until recently (Miettinen, Samra-Fredericks and Yanow 2009). This chapter explores activity theory as a resource for studying strategy as practice as it is socially accomplished by individuals in interaction with their wider social group and the artefacts of interaction. In particular, activity theory’s focus on actors as social individuals provides a conceptual basis for studying the core question in strategy-as-practice research: what strategy practitioners do. The chapter is structured in three parts. First, an overview of activity theory is provided. Second, activity theory as a practice-based approach to studying organizational action is introduced and an activity system conceptual framework is developed. Third, the elements of the activity system are explained in more detail and explicitly linked to each of the core SAP concepts: practitioners, practices and praxis. In doing so, links are made to existing strategy-as-practice research, with brief empirical examples of topics that might be addressed using activity theory. Throughout the chapter, we introduce key authors in the development of activity theory and its use in management and adjacent disciplinary fields, as further resources for those wishing to make greater use of activity theory.

The Two Sociologies

An activity theory approach to strategy as practice

This article examines the meaning and experience of retention and withdrawal in higher education from the perspective and voices of non-traditional adult students. It draws on UK biographical data from a European study on access, retention and withdrawal. Withdrawal is perceived negatively by higher education institutions and policymakers as it has an economic cost and reflects on the efficiency of an institution and the student who leaves is viewed as a failure. This article challenges the “traditional” view and argues that non-completion is not always a negative act as many of the students who left in this study talked about the benefits they had gained in terms of learning, identity and the development of the self. Two in-depth biographical case studies are outlined: one student who completes and one who leaves. Both employed their agency and determination in ways which were positive to them but different.

background

Determined to stay or determined to leave? A tale of learner identities, biographies and adult students in higher education

1. Marx, 2. Simmel, 3. Weber, 4. Lukacs, 5. Horkheimer, 6. Adorno, 7. Habermas, 8. Habermas II, 9. Habermas III

A Philosophical History of German Sociology

Medical sociology and sociological theory

Series Editor's Preface Acknowledgements Introduction Part One: History and Sport Chapter 1: The Ancient Games Chapter 2: The Genesis of Modern Sport Chapter 3: The Modern Olympiads Part Two: Features of Contemporary Sport Chapter 4: Exercise, Sport and Health Chapter 5: Sport and Violence: A "De-Civilizing Spurt"? Chapter 6: The Colonialization and Mediation of Sport Part Three: Social Theory and Sport Chapter 7: Sociological Perspectives on Sport Chapter 8: Towards a Critical Sociology of Sport References Index

The Two Sociologies

Citations

An activity theory approach to strategy as practice

Determined to stay or determined to leave? A tale of learner identities, biographies and adult students in higher education

A Philosophical History of German Sociology

Medical sociology and sociological theory

Sport And Society: History, Power And Culture

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