Prying eyes: a dramaturgical approach to professional surveillance

Laura M. Visser, Inge L. Bleijenbergh, Yvonne W.M. Benschop, Allard C.R. van Riel

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleResearchpeer-review

13 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

This study examines how professionals engage with the increased surveillance of their daily work. We develop an understanding of professional surveillance at the micro-level of interaction by drawing on dramaturgical literature. Based on qualitative interviews and observational data of healthcare professionals using a new technology to communicate simultaneously with each other and individual patients, we analyse how professionals use different elements of the theatre (e.g., stages and scripts) to enact surveillance. The significance of our contribution lies especially in the dramaturgical reconceptualization of surveillance as enacted, making it an integral part of displaying one's professionalism.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)703-727
Number of pages25
JournalJournal of Management Studies
Volume55
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Jun 2018
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Dramaturgy
  • Healthcare
  • Micro-level of interaction
  • Professional surveillance

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