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Inter-Play(ing) – Embodied and relational possibilities of serious play at work

Author

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  • Wendelin Kuepers

    (ICN Business School, CEREFIGE - Centre Européen de Recherche en Economie Financière et Gestion des Entreprises - UL - Université de Lorraine)

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to analyze the role of embodied dimensions and relational possibilities of (serious) play at work. It shows how a phenomenological and processual approach can help in developing an integral understanding of (serious) play and its paradox in relation to work and practical wisdom and professional artistry in organizations. Design/methodology/approach Based on the literature review and phenomenology, the role of embodied dimension, and the nexus of playful practitioners, practices and playgrounds are discussed. Systematically, then the concept of "inter-playing" is proposed as a specific embodied and processual practice. Subsequently, the in-between is shown to be a medium and transrelational nexus for (serious) play that allows a more comprehensive understanding and implications. Findings Based on the phenomenological and relational approach, the concept of (inter-)play allows an extended understanding of serious play and its paradox as a form of an inter-practice. The mediating in-(ter-)between is revealed as decisive for playful practices and playgrounds in organizations. Serious play is linked to practical wisdom and professional artistry in organizations. Research limitations/implications Specific theoretical and methodological implications for exploring and enacting play are offered. It is suggested to take research itself as a form of inter-practice and to enact a more integral epistemology and methodological pluralism, including body-related and art-based approaches and critical issues. Practical implications Some specific practical implications are provided that facilitate and enable embodied play and play-spaces in an ongoing, arts-based learning and development process in organizational and educational contexts. Social implications The corporeality of responsive inter-play is seen as connected to sociality and social interaction as self and others are considered as a nexus. In particular, poetic phrónêsis in professional playful practice is linked to social creativity that includes attention and recognition of others and otherness as well as social inclusivity. Originality/value By extending the existing discourse and using an embodied approach, the paper proposes a novel orientation for re-interpreting serious play. Equally, it offers the new processual concepts of inter-play and inter-practice that allow more explorations and connections to discourses and practices of phronesis and art(istry).

Suggested Citation

  • Wendelin Kuepers, 2017. "Inter-Play(ing) – Embodied and relational possibilities of serious play at work," Post-Print hal-01768891, HAL.
    • Handle: RePEc:hal:journl:hal-01768891
    DOI: 10.1108/JOCM-12-2016-0267
    Note: View the original document on HAL open archive server: https://hal.science/hal-01768891v1
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hilary Bradbury & Benyamin M. Bergmann Lichtenstein, 2000. "Relationality in Organizational Research: Exploring The Space Between," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 11(5), pages 551-564, October.
    2. Niels Åkerstrøm Andersen, 2009. "Power at Play," Palgrave Macmillan Books, Palgrave Macmillan, number 978-0-230-23929-6, April.
    3. Damon Golsorkhi & Linda Rouleau & David Seidl & Eero Vaara, 2015. "Cambridge Handbook of Strategy as Practice," Post-Print hal-02298228, HAL.
    4. Wendelin Kuepers & Olen Gunnlaugson, 2016. "Wisdom Learning: Perspectives on Wising-up Business and Management Education," Post-Print hal-02518995, HAL.
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