“Just the Boys Playing on Computers”

Journal of Business and Technical Communication Apr 2001

“Just the Boys Playing on Computers”

Natasha Artemeva ; Aviva Freedman Carleton University

Abstract

Using activity theory as a supplement to genre studies, this article explores a case of the disintegration of a traditional engineering firm. It focuses on the causes of such disintegration and the role of different types of communication in serving as sites where contradictions can be brought to visibility and resolution. The authors’ goal is both to show the power of activity theory in illuminating issues of tension, contradiction, and dissonance that lead to the breakup of the original organization into two separate firms and point to fundamental differences in the cultures of traditional engineering firms and software design enterprises.

Journal: Journal of Business and Technical Communication
Published: 2001-04-01
DOI: 10.1177/105065190101500202
Open Access: Closed
Topics: genre theory multimodality multilingual writers

Citation Context

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Cites in this index (1)

FREEDMAN et al. (1994)

Wearing Suits to Class

Written Communication

Also cites 6 works outside this index ↓

Engestrom, Yrjo (1989)

10.1080/00207411.1988.11449112

International Journal of Mental Health ↗
10.1177/135050849633005

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10.2307/358988

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10.17730/humo.52.1.u305r18277724374

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10.1037/10096-003

↗
10.1080/00335638409383686

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CrossRef global citation count: 30 View in citation network →