Wrestling With Proteus

Abstract

Because communication specialists often lack the power and prestige of other knowledge workers, such as engineers and product designers, managers who direct the work of communication specialists face unique challenges. This study, based on interviews with 11 communication managers, found that their agency and identity were determined both by the structure of the organizations in which they worked and by their use of genres, technologies, and regulatory techniques. With their work undergoing transition because of globalization, outsourcing, and rapid technological change, the stories that these managers tell demonstrate the importance of studying management as it specifically applies to communication specialists.

A Soft Systems Approach to Knowledge Worker Productivity—Analysis of the Problem Situation

“…Table 11 shows which papers targeted which challenge and an overview of the subjects of the papers. Identities within ever-changing workplaces (Amidon and Blythe 2008), problems with complex structures and processes (Vaughan 1999), refocus priorities within fast changing organizations using critical success factors (Bullen 1995), shift focus from production to knowledge work (Hori 1993), need for capital investment for the office worker (Devilliers 1980). (Amidon and Blythe 2008;Vaughan 1999;Bullen 1995;Hori 1993;Devilliers 1980) 5 13%…”

“…Organizational structure and changes focuses on the external system that is influencing organizations as well as knowledge workers and its increasing complexity. The organization needs to figure out what structure will not hinder the performance of their knowledge workers and fulfill the requirements of their customers, industry standards, cultures and other stakeholders (Amidon and Blythe 2008;Vaughan 1999;Bullen 1995;Hori 1993). The complexity of organizational structures is increasing with globalization, outsourcing, mobile workers and need for cross-functional teams (Amidon and Blythe 2008).…”

“…That thread stems from changes connected to new information and communication technology, the nature of the knowledge worker and his job and the fact that modern organizations must rely on the knowledge of their workers for competitive advantage. Information and communication technology is facilitating the reorganization of bureaucratic structures, globalization, outsourcing, mobility of workers and cross-functional teams (Amidon and Blythe 2008). Routine nonconformity, mistakes, misconduct and disasters are systematic products of the complex structures and processes that many modern organizations have (Vaughan 1999).…”