THROUGH THE EYES OF EXPERTS: A SOCIOCOGNITIVE PERSPECTIVE ON THE AUTOMATION OF FINGERPRINT WORK.

Author List: Davis, Christopher J.; Hufnagel, Ellen M.;
MIS Quarterly, 2007, Volume 31, Issue 4, Page 681-703.
Prior research on technological frames indicates that many of the difficulties associated with systems implementation stem from differences in the meanings users, managers, and system developers attribute to automation projects. Although the concept of technological frames has been used to explore the bases for intergroup conflict during implementation, it is also a useful device for probing more deeply into the effects complex systems have on users' perceptions of their work and the role-altering effects of new technologies. Drawing upon personal construct theory and job characteristics theory, we adapted the repertory grid technique to explore the technology-in-use frames of a group of occupationally certified fingerprint technicians (FPTs). Our investigation reveals the important role the FPTs' occupationally defined values and norms played in structuring their existing work practices and the tensions produced by organizationally mandated efforts to restructure the logic of their expertise-based hierarchies. These insights illuminate the effects work redesign had on the FPTs' task environment, the process logic that guided specific work practices, and the roles defined by their expertise-based hierarchies, providing a basis for understanding the FPTs' unanticipated reactions to the automation of their work.
Keywords: Technological frames; work redesign; job characteristics theory; personal construct theory; repertory grid; technicians
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#146 0.162 work people workers environment monitoring performance organizations needs physical useful number personal balance perceptions create computer-based technological technologies investigation achievement
#284 0.131 users user new resistance likely benefits potential perspective status actual behavior recognition propose user's social associated existing base using acceptance
#116 0.129 research study influence effects literature theoretical use understanding theory using impact behavior insights examine influences mechanisms specifically context perspective findings
#119 0.127 implementation systems article describes management successful approach lessons design learned technical staff used effort developed organization experiences large managing discusses
#100 0.117 affective concepts role questions game gaming production games logic play shaping frames future network natural processes evidence addresses reference theorizing
#237 0.105 boundary practices capacity new boundaries use practice absorptive organizational technology work field multiple study objects actors actor theory practical spanning
#147 0.078 process problem method technique experts using formation identification implicit analysis common proactive input improvements identify traditional stages identifying explicit setting