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Organizing disciplinary power in a knowledge organization

Author

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  • Bergström, Ola
  • Hasselbladh, Hans
  • Kärreman, Dan

Abstract

This article provides a systematic attempt to analyze the effects of performance appraisals, here conceptualized as tools for executing disciplinary power, and how the agency of employees is shaped. The article demonstrates how agency is enrolled by a broad set of disciplinary technologies aimed at behavior as well as the self, orchestrated in way that effectively short-circuits resistance. Drawing upon data collected from a Swedish subsidiary of a large American consultancy firm, the article provides a detailed account for the use of disciplinary technologies in knowledge-intensive work and other types of high-commitment work settings. Furthermore, the article pays specific attention to how punishments, rewards and human agency interact in this context.

Suggested Citation

  • Bergström, Ola & Hasselbladh, Hans & Kärreman, Dan, 2009. "Organizing disciplinary power in a knowledge organization," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 25(2), pages 178-190, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:scaman:v:25:y:2009:i:2:p:178-190
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    Citations

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    Cited by:

    1. Alaric Bourgoin & Nicolas Bencherki, 2013. "The performance of authority in organizations: an example from management consulting," CSI Working Papers Series 029, Centre de Sociologie de l'Innovation (CSI), Mines ParisTech.
    2. Lambert Jerman & Julien Raone, 2014. "Dompter La Verite Dans L'Organisation : La Subjectivation Comme Production De L'Animal Confessant," Post-Print hal-01899765, HAL.
    3. Patriotta, Gerardo & Brown, Andrew D., 2011. "Sensemaking, metaphors and performance evaluation," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 27(1), pages 34-43, March.
    4. Cäker, Mikael & Siverbo, Sven, 2014. "Strategic alignment in decentralized organizations – The case of Svenska Handelsbanken," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 30(2), pages 149-162.
    5. Dankbaar, Ben & Vissers, Geert, 2009. "Of knowledge and work," MPIfG Working Paper 09/16, Max Planck Institute for the Study of Societies.
    6. repec:dau:papers:123456789/13554 is not listed on IDEAS
    7. Välikangas, Anita & Seeck, Hannele, 2011. "Exploring the Foucauldian interpretation of power and subject in organizations," LSE Research Online Documents on Economics 49807, London School of Economics and Political Science, LSE Library.
    8. Costas, Jana & Blagoev, Blagoy & Kärreman, Dan, 2016. "The arena of the professional body: Sport, autonomy and ambition in professional service firms," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 32(1), pages 10-19.

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