Carnivalization as a new mode of collaboration

Abstract

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop a conceptual model of carnivalization. The paper aims to widen the understanding of client initiated attempts to break away from a conflict of motives between conventional models and new ways of acting in service provision. Carnivalization emerges when the standard script falls apart and the actors start to construct unexpected meanings for the activity and create innovative solutions for the conflict of motives, which leads to new mode of collaboration. Design/methodology/approach The study analyzed the key features and significance of carnivalization in home care service encounters. The theoretical–methodological framework of the study draws on Bakhtin’s dialogical theorizing and cultural–historical activity theory. The analysis traces the processual movement from standard script toward carnivalization. Findings The key features of carnivalization involve conflict of motives between the actors, client initiatives, multiple chronotopes, artifact and role mediation, different modes of collaboration and the intertwinement of seemingly disconnected objects of collaboration. The findings indicate that carnivalization can enhance a new type of client–service provider collaboration. It can become an especially significant mode of collaboration for transforming an activity in which a historically established, stabilized script dominates the interaction. This paper suggests that the carnivalization type of collaboration should be deliberately fostered via organizational interventions to develop client-centered services. Originality/value As a consequence of the study, a new conceptual model is proposed for the analysis and promotion of carnivalization that can be applied in different organizational contexts.