Rehumanising Knowledge Work through Fluctuating Support Networks

Through the basic social structural process of fluctuating support networks, knowledge workers self-organise to overcome the dehumanising impact of a rapidly changing workplace context. Such networks operate outside the formal organisation. They are epiphenomenal – self-emerging, self-organising, a...

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Main Author: Judith A. Holton
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Sociology Press 2007-03-01
Series:Grounded Theory Review: An International Journal
Subjects:
Online Access:https://groundedtheoryreview.org/index.php/gtr/article/view/354
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author Judith A. Holton
author_facet Judith A. Holton
author_sort Judith A. Holton
collection DOAJ
description Through the basic social structural process of fluctuating support networks, knowledge workers self-organise to overcome the dehumanising impact of a rapidly changing workplace context. Such networks operate outside the formal organisation. They are epiphenomenal – self-emerging, self-organising, and selfsustaining. Participation is voluntary and intuitive. The growth of fluctuating support networks facilitates a rehumanising process which serves to counterbalance the dehumanisation that knowledge workers experience in the face of persistent and unpredictable change. The core variable of the theory, the basic social psychological process of rehumanising, is characterised by authenticity, depth and meaning, recognition and respect, safety and healing and kindred sharing. Rehumanising gives meaning to work while sustaining energy and commitment. Fluctuating support network relationships offer members validation and subtle support. Members pursue shared interests and passions. Activities are characterised by challenge, experimentation, creativity and learning. The resultant sense of achievement renews energy and builds confidence, enhancing commitment and bonding thereby sustaining network engagement.
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spelling doaj-art-31d13a668001430293151bb7ddf7a5e92025-08-20T03:24:07ZengSociology PressGrounded Theory Review: An International Journal1556-15421556-15502007-03-01602Rehumanising Knowledge Work through Fluctuating Support NetworksJudith A. Holton Through the basic social structural process of fluctuating support networks, knowledge workers self-organise to overcome the dehumanising impact of a rapidly changing workplace context. Such networks operate outside the formal organisation. They are epiphenomenal – self-emerging, self-organising, and selfsustaining. Participation is voluntary and intuitive. The growth of fluctuating support networks facilitates a rehumanising process which serves to counterbalance the dehumanisation that knowledge workers experience in the face of persistent and unpredictable change. The core variable of the theory, the basic social psychological process of rehumanising, is characterised by authenticity, depth and meaning, recognition and respect, safety and healing and kindred sharing. Rehumanising gives meaning to work while sustaining energy and commitment. Fluctuating support network relationships offer members validation and subtle support. Members pursue shared interests and passions. Activities are characterised by challenge, experimentation, creativity and learning. The resultant sense of achievement renews energy and builds confidence, enhancing commitment and bonding thereby sustaining network engagement. https://groundedtheoryreview.org/index.php/gtr/article/view/354Classic Grounded TheoryengagementBasic Social Structural Processknowledge workersbasic social psychological processsupport network
spellingShingle Judith A. Holton
Rehumanising Knowledge Work through Fluctuating Support Networks
Grounded Theory Review: An International Journal
Classic Grounded Theory
engagement
Basic Social Structural Process
knowledge workers
basic social psychological process
support network
title Rehumanising Knowledge Work through Fluctuating Support Networks
title_full Rehumanising Knowledge Work through Fluctuating Support Networks
title_fullStr Rehumanising Knowledge Work through Fluctuating Support Networks
title_full_unstemmed Rehumanising Knowledge Work through Fluctuating Support Networks
title_short Rehumanising Knowledge Work through Fluctuating Support Networks
title_sort rehumanising knowledge work through fluctuating support networks
topic Classic Grounded Theory
engagement
Basic Social Structural Process
knowledge workers
basic social psychological process
support network
url https://groundedtheoryreview.org/index.php/gtr/article/view/354
work_keys_str_mv AT judithaholton rehumanisingknowledgeworkthroughfluctuatingsupportnetworks