Work-integrated competence networks embedded in the on-going carrying out of work tasks, what we refer to as relatonics ( Backström & Döös, 2008 ). A key determinant differentiating relatonics from social structures in general, is the fact that relatonics emerges in relation to a certain work task, and comprises the competence bearing relationships one is using to perform the task; thus, there are multiple relatonics in an organisation. A relatonic may crisscross between several organisational units and, also, cross the boundary of the organisation to include external partner organisations.
Published in Chapter:
Uncover the Hidden Relationships of Work: A Visualisation Tool to Support Informed Change Decisions
Peter E. Johansson (School of Innovation, Design, and Engineering, Mälardalen University, Sweden), Marianne Döös (Department of Education, Stockholm University, Sweden), and Tomas Backström (School of Innovation, Design, and Engineering, Mälardalen University, Sweden)
Copyright: © 2021
|Pages: 26
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-7998-4861-5.ch010
Abstract
This chapter aims to explore the possibilities of visualising work-integrated competence networks—here referred to as relatonics—and contribute to the understanding of how to support efforts of organising change. The competence-generating processes of an organisation are problematic in that they are largely hidden in the midst of everyday practice. If not receiving adequate attention, there is the risk of conducting too frequent, disruptive, and unhealthy reorganisations. This strengthens the reason why visualisations of relatonics are of value. The demarcation line between what is hidden, and what is not, is relocated through the use of visualisations of relatonics. A conclusion is that images representing relatonics can be utilised to support informed change decisions.