Premium
Multi‐contextuality in boundary‐spanning practices
Author(s) -
Lindgren Rikard,
Andersson Magnus,
Henfridsson Ola
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
information systems journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.635
H-Index - 89
eISSN - 1365-2575
pISSN - 1350-1917
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2575.2007.00245.x
Subject(s) - boundary spanning , boundary (topology) , enabling , kochen–specker theorem , knowledge management , leverage (statistics) , boundary work , work (physics) , computer science , business , engineering , sociology , mathematics , artificial intelligence , psychology , physics , mechanical engineering , mathematical analysis , social science , quantum mechanics , quantum , psychotherapist
The capability to establish boundary‐spanning practices within and across organizations has for long been recognized as a key strategic resource. As organizations are becoming distributed and dynamic, they will be increasingly populated by multiple functional, geographical, hierarchical and professional boundaries. The inherent complexity of such settings makes it difficult for organizations to leverage their boundary‐spanning practices. Information technology (IT) systems have been hailed as a critical enabler of boundary spanning. However, there is little knowledge on how organizations are affected by the introduction of different types of IT systems. Building on an interpretive case study of Swedish transport organizations, this paper explores consequences of sensor technology for boundary spanning. The paper contributes with an understanding of what coexisting use contexts mean for boundary‐spanning practices. A theoretical implication is that such multi‐contextuality requires an integrative view on boundary spanning that combines insights from the organizational innovation and work practice literatures.