Talking About Machines, Thick Description, and Knowledge Work

In the decade since the publication of Julian Orr’s Talking About Machines: An Ethnography of a Modern Job, the field of organization studies has yet to develop a rich and complete picture of the world of knowledge workers. In this essay, I argue that organization theory would benefit if scholars followed Orr’s lead and devoted increased ethnographic attention to knowledge and technical work. Thick descriptions of the situated work practices of knowledge workers would help us understand the complex relationship of work, occupations, and organizations. In particular, I suggest further investigation of the intersection of occupational communities within organizations, as well as additional empirical studies of networks of practice that extend beyond organizational boundaries.