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Invisible influence, tangible trap: The clerical conundrum

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  • Fearfull, Anne
  • Carter, Chris
  • Sy, Aida
  • Tinker, Tony

Abstract

This paper contends that the contribution made by clerical workers to organisational effectiveness is invisible due in part to the dominant perspective on the clerical sector, and in part to what is seen to be the nature of the workers themselves. In synthesising some of the degradation literature with an examination of elements of clerical subjectivity it is demonstrated that clerical effectiveness is rendered invisible and that this, in turn, essentially traps clerks in low status work. Drawing on ideas emerging from past and recent literature on tacit knowledge and comparable worth, the paper seeks to demonstrate that, by applying the principles of tacitness and its analysis to this non-managerial area of work, we can see where the influence of clerical workers lies. The paper ends with a challenge to organisations which reaps the benefits of a skilful and knowledgeable workforce while doing little to formally acknowledge such expertise.

Suggested Citation

  • Fearfull, Anne & Carter, Chris & Sy, Aida & Tinker, Tony, 2008. "Invisible influence, tangible trap: The clerical conundrum," CRITICAL PERSPECTIVES ON ACCOUNTING, Elsevier, vol. 19(8), pages 1177-1196.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:crpeac:v:19:y:2008:i:8:p:1177-1196
    DOI: 10.1016/j.cpa.2007.04.001
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Véronique Ambrosini & Cliff Bowman, 2001. "Tacit Knowledge: Some Suggestions for Operationalization," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 38(6), pages 811-829, September.
    2. Jahoda,Marie, 1982. "Employment and Unemployment," Cambridge Books, Cambridge University Press, number 9780521285865.
    3. Frank Mueller, 1996. "Human Resources As Strategic Assets: An Evolutionary Resource‐Based Theory," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 33(6), pages 757-785, November.
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