Distributed tensions: managing collaboration across organizational actors and boundaries

This study complicates our current theorizing of tension management in organizations. I explore how we account for tensions in our theories of tension management that are a) distributed across different loci of control and b) tied to explicit organizational practices and processes that enable and constrain organizing. Current theories tend to focus on tension management strategies enacted through one agent. I argue that managing distributed tensions, characterized by multiple actors distributed across organizational boundaries, requires tension management through structuring processes explicitly tied to organizational practices. This complicates our current single-relationship theorizing of organizational tension management. To study this, I use a multi-case study approach. I am studying academic research collaborations as a site for observing distributed tension management, because academic organizations are in themselves inter-organizational and require continual boundary-crossing and negotiation to achieve organizational and individual goals. I use qualitative interviewing and analysis techniques and present vignettes about managing distributed tensions. I conclude by presenting a theory of distributed tension management through organizational structuring processes of legitimation, signification, and domination (Giddens, 1984). I also present practical implications for organizations as they work to support research activities and develop collaborative initiatives on their campus.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D.

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Communication

Grantor

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Year dc:date

2022

Author dc:creator

• Ruge-Jones, Luisa

Contributors dc:contributor

• Poole, Marshall Scott
• Barley, William C
• Lammers, John C
• Barbour, Joshua B
• Whittaker, Joseph A

• Groups
• organizations
• communication
• collaboration
• tensions
• systems
• higher education

Statement dc:rights

• Copyright 2022 Luisa Ruge-Jones

Language dc:language

en, eng

Handle dc:identifier

https://hdl.handle.net/2142/116100

OAI record oai:identifier

https://www.ideals.illinois.edu/oai-pmh?verb=GetRecord&metadataPrefix=etdms&identifier=oai%3Awww.ideals.illinois.edu%3A2142%2F116100