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It's About Time: Temporal Structuring in Organizations

Author

Listed:
  • Wanda J. Orlikowski

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management (E53-325), 50 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142-1347)

  • JoAnne Yates

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Sloan School of Management (E52-544), 50 Memorial Drive, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142-1347)

Abstract

In this paper we propose the notion of temporal structuring as a way of understanding and studying time as an enacted phenomenon within organizations. We suggest that through their everyday action, actors produce and reproduce a variety of temporal structures which in turn shape the temporal rhythm and form of their ongoing practices. A focus on temporal structuring, combined with a practice perspective, allows us to bridge the subjective-objective dichotomy that underlies much of the existing research on time in organizations. After developing the notion of temporal structuring, we illustrate its use in the context of a prior empirical study. We conclude by outlining some implications of temporal structuring for organizational research on time.

Suggested Citation

  • Wanda J. Orlikowski & JoAnne Yates, 2002. "It's About Time: Temporal Structuring in Organizations," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 13(6), pages 684-700, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ororsc:v:13:y:2002:i:6:p:684-700
    DOI: 10.1287/orsc.13.6.684.501
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. James G. March, 1991. "Exploration and Exploitation in Organizational Learning," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 2(1), pages 71-87, February.
    2. Marcie J. Tyre & Wanda J. Orlikowski, 1994. "Windows of Opportunity: Temporal Patterns of Technological Adaptation in Organizations," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 5(1), pages 98-118, February.
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