Using Models of Work Practice as Reflective and Communicative Devices: Two Cases from the Norwegian Offshore Industry

Abstract

PAR and PD are similar traditions, the major difference is the technology aspect that has been largely missing in the PAR-tradition. Two examples from the Norwegian offshore industry are used to describe how models can be used as reflective and communicative devices. Simple models can be used in a constructivistic manner to bring forth local knowledge and the voices of local realities in the organization. A distinction is made between expert and participative modelling with the use of various forms of artifacts, urging PAR to be more attentive to the way it uses technological artifacts in organizational development processes.