Viewing boundary 'objects' as boundary constructions

Abstract

Empirical results from a qualitative study within an important North American aircraft engine manufacturing company allows us to propose an alternative framework for achieving effective knowledge sharing based on the boundary construction concept. Tapping into Latour's (1993) epistemological insights of mutual transformation, hybridization and inter- reciprocal relationship between the object and subject, it is proposed that effective boundary objects are in a constant flux of actual (and potential) co-construction and re-construction at the hands of interacting actors. This boundary constructing, in turn, leads to enriched organizational sense-making. Effective sharing of knowledge occurs as a result of boundary construction/actor interactions that are enabled within a shared context (ba) where mutual trust and respect, empathy and openness to others' differences, and requisite variety predominate. Such an environment is consistent with Enriquez's (1992) concept of differentiated work group environments, whereby emancipation of the self co-exists with identification to the other.