Details
Original language | English |
---|---|
Pages (from-to) | 59-73 |
Number of pages | 15 |
Journal | Journal of Organizational Ethnography |
Volume | 7 |
Issue number | 1 |
Early online date | 3 Apr 2018 |
Publication status | Published - 2018 |
Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to suggest the usage of an approach based on sociological systems theory for exploring the (latent) functions of documents in organizations. The focus lies on the reconstruction of organizational knowledge practices required for the competent production and use of documents. Design/methodology/approach: The argument is developed through a critical and integrating review of relevant literature as well as through the analysis of empirical data drawn from participant observation and ethnographic conversations in a multi-organizational, multi-site, and multi-event setting. Findings: The essence of the paper is that a systems theoretical approach in the analysis of the production and use of documents in organizations yields new and startling insights into their (latent) functions for organizations compared to what document analysis and institutional ethnography can achieve. Originality/value: The paper focuses on the contexts, situations, and the organizational knowledge practices necessary for the competent use of documents in organizations not on the document itself. Hence, it offers a more comprehensive understanding of the (latent) functions of documents for organizations compared to mere document analysis.
Keywords
- Analysis of the function of documents in organizations, Emergency and event medical services, Organizational ethnography, Organizational knowledge, Participant observation, Systems theory
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Social Sciences(all)
- Cultural Studies
- Social Sciences(all)
- Anthropology
- Business, Management and Accounting(all)
- Strategy and Management
- Business, Management and Accounting(all)
- Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management
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In: Journal of Organizational Ethnography, Vol. 7, No. 1, 2018, p. 59-73.
Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › Research › peer review
}
TY - JOUR
T1 - Off the record: understanding the (latent) functions of documents in organizations
AU - Langhof, Antonia
PY - 2018
Y1 - 2018
N2 - Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to suggest the usage of an approach based on sociological systems theory for exploring the (latent) functions of documents in organizations. The focus lies on the reconstruction of organizational knowledge practices required for the competent production and use of documents. Design/methodology/approach: The argument is developed through a critical and integrating review of relevant literature as well as through the analysis of empirical data drawn from participant observation and ethnographic conversations in a multi-organizational, multi-site, and multi-event setting. Findings: The essence of the paper is that a systems theoretical approach in the analysis of the production and use of documents in organizations yields new and startling insights into their (latent) functions for organizations compared to what document analysis and institutional ethnography can achieve. Originality/value: The paper focuses on the contexts, situations, and the organizational knowledge practices necessary for the competent use of documents in organizations not on the document itself. Hence, it offers a more comprehensive understanding of the (latent) functions of documents for organizations compared to mere document analysis.
AB - Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to suggest the usage of an approach based on sociological systems theory for exploring the (latent) functions of documents in organizations. The focus lies on the reconstruction of organizational knowledge practices required for the competent production and use of documents. Design/methodology/approach: The argument is developed through a critical and integrating review of relevant literature as well as through the analysis of empirical data drawn from participant observation and ethnographic conversations in a multi-organizational, multi-site, and multi-event setting. Findings: The essence of the paper is that a systems theoretical approach in the analysis of the production and use of documents in organizations yields new and startling insights into their (latent) functions for organizations compared to what document analysis and institutional ethnography can achieve. Originality/value: The paper focuses on the contexts, situations, and the organizational knowledge practices necessary for the competent use of documents in organizations not on the document itself. Hence, it offers a more comprehensive understanding of the (latent) functions of documents for organizations compared to mere document analysis.
KW - Analysis of the function of documents in organizations
KW - Emergency and event medical services
KW - Organizational ethnography
KW - Organizational knowledge
KW - Participant observation
KW - Systems theory
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=85044041500&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1108/joe-06-2017-0029
DO - 10.1108/joe-06-2017-0029
M3 - Article
VL - 7
SP - 59
EP - 73
JO - Journal of Organizational Ethnography
JF - Journal of Organizational Ethnography
SN - 2046-6749
IS - 1
ER -