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Talking through objects: the socio-political dynamics embodied in boundary objects in architectural work

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posted on 2023-06-09, 03:52 authored by Dmitrijs Kravcenko, Jacky Swan
With a few notable exceptions, current literature on boundary objects primarily focuses on how individuals interact around boundary objects in pursuing knowledge integration, with a prevailing assumption that these artefacts allow for an almost harmonious arena for work. Following an in-depth ethnographic study of architectural work, we observe that objects used to integrate knowledge across professional boundaries have existing power relations built into them. Specifically, we note that boundary objects are not ‘blank slate’ devices around which work can be carried out equally, but originate from specific domains of practice thus importing certain restrictions and dispositions of those practices into the work. Our research suggests that boundary objects perform best where power relations are asymmetric, and calls for more attention to be paid to the work done within boundary objects.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Publisher

Oxford University Press

Page range

171-190

Pages

336.0

Book title

Managing knowledge integration across boundaries

Place of publication

Oxford

ISBN

9780198785972

Department affiliated with

  • Business and Management Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Editors

Christian Berggren, Stefano Brusoni, Frederik Tell, Andrew Van de Ven

Legacy Posted Date

2016-11-07

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