Dynamics in wastewater treatment: A framework for understanding formal constructs in complex technical settings

Abstract

Based on the study of unskilled work in a Danish wastewater treatment plant, the problem of formalisation of work is discussed and extended to technical processes Five symmetrical levels of dynamics in complex technical work arrangements are proposed as a tool for understanding the limits of formalisation and for designing formal constructs in such settings. The analysis is based on concepts of heterogeneity, granularity of goals and motives, and process and structure.