Networked Work & Network Sociality


Authors Lee Rainie and Barry Wellman discuss the idea of networked work within networked organizations which we can clearly see today throughout the pandemic. I touched on both of these readings within my presentation and found a lot of comparisons between the two as we live in such a networked world today with many individuals more worried and focused on making business connections rather than personal ones, and how applications today are dedicated to finding that balance between work and play (with apps like LinkedIn and Facebook). Author Andreas Wittel outlines network sociality as he is concerned about the divide between business and personal, much like Rainie and Wellman. 

I provided an example of Priority Bicycles creation and production of their Lemonade Coast Bike which was created at the height of the pandemic through networked work within networked organizations as the bike was created through different levels, all of which was done remotely. 


My questions for the class:

Q: Do you think in order to keep up with the world today, workers need to be technologically capable to some extent? Why or why not?

Q: Do you think that fishbowl (traditional) work or switchboard (networked) work leads to greater employee satisfaction and productivity? Which group would you rather work in? 

Q: In regard to Wittel's definition of Network Sociality, do you feel that people in society today tend to form networked connections over personal/community connections? Meaning, do you think society today is more focused on work and potential business connections than creating personalized relationships/connections?

Q: Do you think applications that influence Network Sociality (LinkedIn and Facebook for example) are all work and no play or do they foster aspects of both? 







Comments

  1. Tyler McRaeMarch 23, 2022 at 9:38 PM

    Hi Claire,
    To answer question one, I do not feel that you need to be technologically capable to any extent as there is thousands of personal productive devices that can do all the work simply through holding a button on the side of your phone, laptop or television. I also feel that technology and its software capabilites have made it safe and easy for all generations to understand its advantages and disadvantages when using a certain technology. We see the workplace move away from that traditional industrialized 9-5 space and create co-working spaces remotely so we can have access to work and other aspects all online. Whether it be a family zoom meeting or work call, these technologies used to be heavily monitored by workers where now I feel its the other way around that technology has become so easy it now looks after us, regardless of if we have to work, learn or be entertained.

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  2. Peter ClancyMarch 25, 2022 at 3:56 PM

    Hey Claire, great post!
    To answer your last question I think that social media networks like Facebook and Instagram have lots of potential for business. These are apps that have millions of users that browse daily through the apps. These apps also have a lot of ads and because of algorithmic technology a lot of the ads people see are things that each user is usually interested in. Especially in our world today as well a it of business is done online and these social media networks can definitely benefit positively to a companies success. I think it is important to also remember that these apps are not solely for business so it is important to walk a fine line when incorporating social media in business ventures so that employees don't get distracted from doing actual work.

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  3. UnknownApril 19, 2022 at 6:35 AM

    Hello! Interesting post! I do believe workers need to be technologically capable due to how almost every job has some technological aspect (ie. Tim Hortons - computer for orders, Office - using virtual meetings). This switchboard will only advance. I think it will create more satisfaction and productivity as for example, technological capabilities allow employees to work from home, track their goals, be organized and play games with each other (ie. Farmville on Facebook). Also, I think people create personalize connections for the possibility of creating business connections. - Julia

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