Abstract

ABSTRACT Drawing from data gathered for two ethnographic case studies within the U.S. Forest Service, we develop the concept of workplace tentativity to describe the ways that the biophysical environment influences organizational workplace routines. We find that outdoor labor, routines, and plans adjust to biophysical change and uncertainty, and we examine the resulting organizational and micro-interactional dynamics when such instances occur. Under conditions of workplace tentativity, employees frame workplace activities as tentative and subject to change with limited notice, impacting daily work plans, organizationally planned activities, the utilization of materials, and preparation for and response to accidents and injuries. Attention to the impact of the biophysical environment on workplace structures, patterns, practices, and norms is essential in an era of climate crisis.

Full Text
Paper version not known

Talk to us

Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have

Schedule a call

Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.