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Constructing the Networked Organization: Content and Context in the Development of Electronic Communications

Author

Listed:
  • Martin Lea

    (Department of Psychology, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PL England)

  • Tim O’Shea

    (Institute of Educational Technology, The Open University, Buckinghamshire, England)

  • Pat Fung

    (Institute of Educational Technology, The Open University, Buckinghamshire, England)

Abstract

This paper presents a case study of the development of electronic communications in a changing organization with the aim of studying the complex relationship between content and context in the design and implementation of technological change in communications. The development of a computer-mediated communication system was followed over a period of four years during which time the participating organization expanded by acquisition and then reformed in conjunction with its neighbours in other countries into an integrated, “networked” organization in preparation for the creation of the Single European Market. The Actor-Network approach, which uses a network metaphor as a framework for understanding the relationship between content and context in technology design, is used to explore the co-construction of the new organizational form and the new communications system. We contrast this approach with traditional and other recently proposed approaches and conclude that the study of actor networks affords an opportunity to transcend the dualities between the technical and the social and between content and context that currently frame studies of electronic communications in organizations.

Suggested Citation

  • Martin Lea & Tim O’Shea & Pat Fung, 1995. "Constructing the Networked Organization: Content and Context in the Development of Electronic Communications," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 6(4), pages 462-478, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ororsc:v:6:y:1995:i:4:p:462-478
    DOI: 10.1287/orsc.6.4.462
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Martha L. Maznevski & Katherine M. Chudoba, 2000. "Bridging Space Over Time: Global Virtual Team Dynamics and Effectiveness," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 11(5), pages 473-492, October.
    2. Benson, Angela M. & Blackman, Deborah, 2011. "To distribute leadership or not? A lesson from the islands," Tourism Management, Elsevier, vol. 32(5), pages 1141-1149.
    3. Han Chu & Robert Hassink & Dixiang Xie & Xiaohui Hu, 2023. "Placing the platform economy: the emerging, developing and upgrading of Taobao villages as a platform-based place making phenomenon in China," Cambridge Journal of Regions, Economy and Society, Cambridge Political Economy Society, vol. 16(2), pages 319-334.
    4. JoAnne Yates & Wanda J. Orlikowski & Kazuo Okamura, 1999. "Explicit and Implicit Structuring of Genres in Electronic Communication: Reinforcement and Change of Social Interaction," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 10(1), pages 83-103, February.

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