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The dynamics of control and mobile computing in distributed activities

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  • Gamel O Wiredu
  • Carsten Sørensen

Abstract

Mobile technologies are increasingly finding a place in a multitude of organisational settings. As they are intimately associated with the individuals carrying them, they can potentially play a significant role in the remote control of activities. The aim of this paper is to analyse how the balance of control between local and remote authorities shapes the use of mobile technology in a distributed activity. Based on 1-year action research study of work-integrated learning within a British National Health Service (NHS) project, we discuss the use of mobile technology as a function of control and human mobility. The aim of the project was to pilot the establishment of a new NHS profession, the Perioperative Specialist Practitioner (PSP). The article explores how the contradicting goals of the London-based project management team and of the everyday activities of the surgical teams across Great Britain hosting the PSP trainees critically shaped the unsuccessful use of mobile technology in the project. Based on a theoretical analysis using Activity Theory we outline four analytical categories of local-remote control configurations; (1) territorial dispute; (2) strong local control; (3) strong remote control; and (4) shared harmonious control. We apply these in a discussion of how the use of mobile technology is shaped by contradicting or harmonious motives between object and advanced activities.

Suggested Citation

  • Gamel O Wiredu & Carsten Sørensen, 2006. "The dynamics of control and mobile computing in distributed activities," European Journal of Information Systems, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 15(3), pages 307-319, June.
    • Handle: RePEc:taf:tjisxx:v:15:y:2006:i:3:p:307-319
    DOI: 10.1057/palgrave.ejis.3000577
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    Cited by:

    1. Denis Dennehy & Kieran Conboy & Jennifer Ferreira & Jaganath Babu, 2023. "Sustaining Open Source Communities by Understanding the Influence of Discursive Manifestations on Sentiment," Information Systems Frontiers, Springer, vol. 25(1), pages 241-257, February.
    2. Galetsi, Panagiota & Katsaliaki, Korina & Kumar, Sameer, 2023. "Exploring benefits and ethical challenges in the rise of mHealth (mobile healthcare) technology for the common good: An analysis of mobile applications for health specialists," Technovation, Elsevier, vol. 121(C).

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