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Understanding the Role of Objects in Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration

Author

Listed:
  • Davide Nicolini

    (IKON, Warwick Business School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom)

  • Jeanne Mengis

    (University of Lugano, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland; and IKON, Warwick Business School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom)

  • Jacky Swan

    (IKON, Warwick Business School, University of Warwick, Coventry CV4 7AL, United Kingdom)

Abstract

In this paper we make a case for the use of multiple theoretical perspectives—theory on boundary objects, epistemic objects, cultural historical activity theory, and objects as infrastructure—to understand the role of objects in cross-disciplinary collaboration. A pluralist approach highlights that objects perform at least three types of work in this context: they motivate collaboration, they allow participants to work across different types of boundaries, and they constitute the fundamental infrastructure of the activity. Building on the results of an empirical study, we illustrate the insights that each theoretical lens affords into practices of collaboration and develop a novel analytical framework that organizes objects according to the active work they perform. Our framework can help shed new light on the phenomenon, especially with regard to the shifting status of objects and sources of conflict (and change) in collaboration. After discussing these novel insights, we outline directions for future research stemming from a pluralist approach. We conclude by noting the managerial implications of our findings.

Suggested Citation

  • Davide Nicolini & Jeanne Mengis & Jacky Swan, 2012. "Understanding the Role of Objects in Cross-Disciplinary Collaboration," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 23(3), pages 612-629, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:inm:ororsc:v:23:y:2012:i:3:p:612-629
    DOI: 10.1287/orsc.1110.0664
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    References listed on IDEAS

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