Neat in theory, entangled in praxis: A practice perspective on the social notion of collective reflection in organisations

Abstract

Although scholars have begun theorising the social notion of collective reflection in organisations, empirical studies illustrating these often neat theoretical conceptualisations are still rare. Based on a longitudinal case study (the introduction of lean production at an emergency care unit), we address this need by applying a practice approach. Collective reflection in the present empirical case is manifold: it is characterised by several activities, each serving a specific purpose and enacted according to different temporal rhythms. Our inductive theorising broadens the theoretical conceptualisation of collective reflection in organisations. We propose value creation as a ‘point of reference’, in order to account for what exactly actors step back from when collectively reflecting. We found that collectively reflecting in organising means creating multiple local co-presences. We suggest that the current conceptualisation of collective reflection as a discursive practice itself calls for empirical substantiation.

Interaction training – an enabler for improvement measures within the psychosocial risk assessment process

“…The power of interaction, such as collective reflection, in shaping social structures of the local work system has been confirmed (Backström et al. , 2013; Bucher and Langley, 2016; Gutzan and Tuckermann, 2019). New social structures led to changes in the psychosocial work environment.…”

“…Research shows collective reflection can be a means to change social structures (Backström et al. , 2013; Bucher and Langley, 2016; Gutzan and Tuckermann, 2019; Jordan et al. , 2009).…”

Exploring the New in Politics at Work

“…Thus, in line with recent research that explore ways of relating and responding to others, for example through 'anticipational fluidity' (Cunliffe and Locke 2019), and research that recognize the importance of time in organizations as a force (Holt and Johnssen 2019), this essay invites future research to explore the numerous organizational attempts at producing solidarities and true communalization processes. In particular, future research could explore how past and future are re-located at the heart of the present experience of community, in ways that enhance our social notion of collective reflection in organisations (Gutzan and Tuckermann 2019), and in society. Other research could explore broader social movements (hackers, cooperativism, third-places, DIT…) and alternative methods of knowledge (co)-production (e.g.…”

Exploring the embodied subtleties of collaborative creativity: What organisations can learn from dance

“…During the fieldwork phase, Suvi actively participated in rehearsals by, for instance, turning the music on and off and giving feedback about how certain movements or sections of the production looked. Thus, the professional dancers often served as co-researchers and co-creators of the research material, as collective reflection became a form of learning throughout the research process (Gutzan and Tuckermann, 2019). Next, Suvi and Annika jointly read, discussed and reflected on potential research ideas at the very beginning of the development process for this study.…”

“…After these descriptions from the field were complete, Suvi identified the most significant empirical episodes of embodied collaborative creativity and formed the first 'sketch' of the three aspects, which indicated the relevance of the subtleties of embodiment and the centrality of sensory interactions in collaborative creativity. Through collective reflection and an intensive exchange of thoughts between Suvi and Annika (Gutzan and Tuckermann, 2019), the three embodied aspects of collaborative creativity were further developed reflexively. Specifically, we deepened our analysis by circulating between the theory and research material and by actively discussing our thoughts and interpretations with each other.…”