MAKING SENSE OF NEW TECHNOLOGY AS A LEAD-IN TO STRUCTURING: THE CASE OF AN AUTONOMOUS MOBILE ROBOT.

Abstract

Using ethnographic data collected during a hospital's pre-implementation of an autonomous mobile robot, we propose that the seeds of structuration are sown prior to the delivery of technology. The sensemaking process triggered by a technology's anticipated introduction sets the stage for structuration, drawing on existing social, organizational and technology structures.