Title: Revisiting the concept of boundary objects across the lens of boundary constructions

Authors: W. David Holford

Addresses: Department of Management and Technology, School of Management Sciences, University of Quebec at Montreal (UQAM), P.O. Box 8888, Downtown Station, Montreal, Quebec, H3C 3P8, Canada

Abstract: Building upon current perspectives on boundary objects, an alternative framework is proposed for describing effective knowledge sharing across dialogical interactions between individuals based on the boundary construction concept. Tapping into Bruno Latour|s epistemological insights of mutual transformation, hybridisation and inter-reciprocal relationship between the object and subject, it is argued that boundary constructions, in contrast to the more conventional thinking on boundary objects, are in a constant flux of actual (and potential) co-construction and re-construction at the hands of inter-acting actors. This boundary constructing, which is prevalent within effective workplace dialogue, in turn, leads to enriched organisational sense-making and knowledge sharing.

Keywords: boundary constructions; boundary objects; dialogue; knowledge sharing; perspective-giving; perspective-taking; organisational sense-making.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMCP.2011.039805

International Journal of Management Concepts and Philosophy, 2011 Vol.5 No.1, pp.57 - 69

Published online: 20 Apr 2011 *

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