Mark Rouncefield Knihy

Radical changes in financial organizations are reshaping their processes and supporting technologies. This book explores the application of sociological ethnography to facilitate these transformations, offering insights into work processes and the role of technology. It contrasts ethnography with traditional change methodologies like business process engineering and participative design. Highlighting the benefits of ethnographic research, it aims to guide organizations toward more effective change. The content is relevant for researchers, managers, and advanced students in related fields.

Focusing on the intersection of ethnography and systems design, this book critiques traditional social science methodologies that often misrepresent the lived experiences of individuals. It emphasizes the importance of understanding everyday social and cultural contexts to inform better design practices. By highlighting the disconnect between academic studies of 'work' and the realities of users, it calls for a more nuanced approach that considers the common-sense understandings of ordinary people in the development of systems.

Duncan is a soppy dog - sometimes. Mr Hipstone, who may once have been a pirate is now rather grumpy - sometimes. However, neither Duncan nor Hipstone turn out to be quite what each other (and the reader!) expects when they set sail across the seas in search of treasure.