Center for Activity Theory and Developmental Work Research

Kerosuo, H., Kajamaa, A., Engeström, Y. (2005) Building bridges between the past, present and future: Narrative and emotional remembering of organizational change efforts. In Gherardi, S., Nicolini, D. (eds) The Passion for Learning and
Knowing. University of Trento e-books, Trento.
(ISBN 88-8843-100-X) http://eprints.biblio.unitn.it/archive/00000828/

In our paper, we explore the multidimensional, comprehensive and complex characteristics of change. For this purpose, we trace change in a current study focusing on the consequentiality of change efforts in health care projects in Finland. In our study, we perceive change from the perspective of knowledge creation and destruction as deeply embedded in social practices. We use narratives gathered in employees’ interviews as bridges to reconstruct the consequences of organizational change efforts.

Keywords: Organizational memory, social practice, activity theory, narrative method, change project