Tensions in transfer, translation, and transformation of information: A sociomaterial perspective on heterogeneous work arrangements

Abstract

Although sociomaterial theorizing has provided important insights into how digital technologies enable or constrain behavior in organizational contexts, there is a need to advance theory to better account for how digital technologies shape heterogeneous work practices in which distributed organizational actors use diverse technology portfolios to collaboratively produce and consume information. Against that backdrop, we draw on the distinction between digital mediation and digital representation to investigate tensions in how actors transfer information across organizational and technological boundaries, how they translate information into meaning, and how they eventually transform information into action in digitalized work. We illustrate and develop this framing through detailed analyses of digitally-enabled, condition-based maintenance of equipment in a mining context. Drawing on these analyses and extant literature, we advance theory on tensions in how digital technologies are implicated in producing and consuming information in today’s increasingly heterogeneous work practices.

Organizational Determinants and Compliance Behavior to Shape Information Security Plan

“…Expanding the focus of the MOT construct, it permits the conduction of the exploration at the connection between security objectives and compliance methodologies, bringing scholarly attention to these intersections as documented by Sulaiman et al (2022). By foregrounding the multifaceted roles that motivation plays in shaping behavioral outcomes, the construct offers a more sophisticated understanding of the mechanisms through which organizational interventions and managerial orchestrations geared towards enhancing employee motivation can galvanize collective adherence to prescribed security frameworks, as suggested in Ballet et al ( 2011) and, more recently confirmed by Mathiassen et al (2023), and by Klemsdal and Wittusen (2023).…”

“…We argue that the enhanced research model benefits from including aspects like managerial behaviours, isomorphism, response variations, and compliance incentives. By assimilating these, the model offers a comprehensive view of the dynamics governing compliance behaviour, showcasing the intricate relationship between organisational processes, external standards, managerial influence, individual perceptions, and motivational elements, Hina et al (2019), Mathiassen et al (2023).…”

Micro‐level dynamics in digital transformation: Understanding work‐life role transitions

“…Despite their potential to enrich organisation-level studies, micro dynamics remain largely unexplored in the digital transformation literature. Adopting a multi-IS paradigm (Gerlach & Cenfetelli, 2022) is one approach that acknowledges the diverse sets of digital technologies individuals use in their work-life (Mathiassen et al, 2023). Furthermore, empirical data from the Global South, which would contribute to the scientific discourse on digital transformation, is frequently disregarded (Elbanna & Idowu, 2022).…”

“…Additionally, case studies that focus on organisational outcomes through macro-level investigations often adhere to a single-IS paradigm (Gerlach & Cenfetelli, 2022), failing to capture the diverse array of digital technologies individuals use both for work and leisure (Mathiassen et al, 2023;Vaast & Pinsonneault, 2022). Furthermore, the existing digital transformation literature appears to presume that those tasked with implementing strategic decisions about the use of digital technologies possess the requisite skills, resources, and socio-economic status (Virtaneva et al, 2021).…”

Digital Literacy 5.0 to Enhance Multicultural Education

“…The diverse and interconnected nature of the digital world necessitates a nuanced approach to ethics, one that comprehensively understands and respects the cultural variances in perception and values. Issues such as data privacy, digital rights, and the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) must be viewed and addressed through a multicultural lens to ensure fairness and respect for all cultures (442,443). Data privacy, a cornerstone of digital ethics, varies significantly across cultural contexts.…”