Learning as a coordination process: The role of Displayed Practices and Culture in Managed networks

Abstract

Although coordination efforts in team based work contexts has received much attention in organizational research, there has been little theorizing on practices work environments of independent distributed workers. This is a study of such a context. This article attempt also to increase the understanding of efforts of managing intra organizational networks for knowledge integration. In particular we contribute to the role of sharing of practices in such an arrangement. The study involves a comparative study of five managed networks, two networks set up for preventing accidents, one for occupational hygiene, and two within the area of psychological well-being. In this paper we ground tree displayed practices for organizational learning in a context of managed Networks of Practice, and discuss their characteristics and implications. Using a cultural perspective, we also suggest that all three of them have new awareness as the a coordination mechanisms build into them. But related to different mechanisms: put in context mechanism (visualized practice), rules and facts in use (documenting practice) and empowerment (testing practice). The practices described are helpful in the balancing act between structure and process for organizational learning.