Embedding the Signs - The creation of routines in clusters when implementing a new technological tool

Abstract

This paper explores the process of routines creation when attempting to stabilise the use of new digital tools, fitting them into an organisation’s existing routines. Digital technology is often complex, consisting of multiple objects requiring a cluster of interdependent routines. Implementation of new technology is considered a challenge for many organisations as, while considered crucial for a company’s survival to adapt to technological changes, most leaders of organisations worry about their ability to adapt their existing processes. This study offers an opportunity to explore the micro-processes during implementation of a new digital tool that came into an organisation without an implementation plan. It confirms with previous studies that intentional routine creation is necessary when routines for new technology does not fit into an organisation existing processes, requiring a larger network of actors in an interdependent cluster. It contributes with the idea to classify routines into core- and subroutines, pursuant to their interdependency, while giving insights how this interdependency affects the creation of routines. This study also provides insights on how objects play a role in balancing routines stability and flexibility, both within and in between interrelated routines, by explaining their effect on actors affordance to the technology. Lastly it suggests a distinction between core- and complementary objects based on their ability to affect performance in routines.