On the development of work practices: a constructivist model

Abstract

The present paper aims to present a model for the development and evolution of work practices. Work practices are understood as the more or less stable, historically developed and partially unacknowledged arrays of activity, which are at the basis of successful action in a particular work setting. From a methodological perspective, work practices correspond to a level of analysis that is more macroscopic than the level of individual situated activity. The practice level of analysis considers explicitly both development in time plus the collective aspect. The proposed model is inspired by two distinct sources: applied research in cognitive engineering and anthropology; and theoretical work in the social sciences. It contends that practices can be seen as evolving entities that emerge through repetition, engaged situated distinction and subsequent descriptions. Descriptions are supposed to re-enter in the day-to-day conduct as formalisations institutionalising and/or rearranging practice on the way. It is argued that the model can be useful in order to gain insight and steer the process of cognition–organisation–technology co-adaptation (i.e. the development of practice) that follows technological or organisational changes.