Musca et al., Drop your boat, 2014

Question 1

Core Message:

Answer 1

Paper illustrates a project that lost its meaning and the process of renewal into new meaning. Musca et al. had recorded the interactions when the meaning was lost. They could therefore explore the project’s discursive practices: re-wording, reframing and focusing attention, which together contributed to reaffirming team cohesiveness.

Language as vehicle for sensemaking.

Question 2

Sensemaking is a X process. Therefore …

Answer 2

Sensemaking is a social process. Therefore the way we are talking about things matters.

Question 3

Main concepts:

Answer 3

Building on Weick: cosmology episode – when the project/organization looses its meaning

Three discursive practices:

• Wording and rewording the unexpected
• Reframing
• Focusing attention

These are used in order to construct and accept project renewal.

Question 4

Who were Musca et al. studying?

Answer 4

Musca et al. explored alpinists in a boat in Argentina trying to navigate. How were they making sense of the situation and trying to save themselves?

Question 5

Wording and rewording the unexpected

Answer 5

Rewording can be a conversation between group members, where they can consider the unexpected situation they are in.

In the case it was often repetitions of statements, form different perspectives, that led to a shared understanding of the new meaning in the project.

Question 6

Reframing

Answer 6

A process where members removes their present frame to find new alternative frames. The members then try to find some sort of sense in the new frame under the unexpected events.

Question 7

Focusing attention

Answer 7

These processes are carried out particularly through repetitions. A decision that is repeated down through the organization will become approved. Focus is on the single decision. Focus is on the actions that should be taken right now.

Question 8

Reaffirming team cohesiveness

Answer 8

Wording and rewording, reframing and focusing attention all contributed to reaffirming team cohesiveness. Through interactions the team creates a collective answer.

Open communication is a key to break the isolation, and at last create a more positive and opportunistic spirit in the team.