ABSTRACT

This article is based on an empirical case study with an interactive research approach focusing on gendered norms in a Swedish truck Company. It discusses the combined value of using the metaphor of a firewall for (1) analysing how organizational constraining gendered norms are done in everyday organizational life, and (2) as a practical tool to facilitate the processes aimed at improving norm awareness. The metaphor embodies an understanding that makes it possible to visualize relational ongoing organizational processes and power dimensions. In addition, the firewall is useful for emphasizing variations and complexity. Variations and dynamics are manifested in the ways that employees need to fulfil varying “codes” in order to be accepted. The possession of certain codes (norms) that are required to pass through the first layer of the firewall (employment), and give access to some networks, does not automatically ensure acceptance and integration into more influential networks (referred to as the informal and inner layers of the firewall). The results furthermore show that the firewall metaphor is fruitful when facilitating reflection processes amongst employees to improve norm awareness and to discuss strategies for change. The conclusion is that the firewall metaphor facilitates an analysis of the relational and complex doing of constraining norms, and that it also can be used to initiate change.

摘要

本文基于一个实证案例研究，采用交互式研究方法，重点关注瑞典卡车公司的性别规范。它讨论了使用防火墙隐喻的综合价值用于（1）分析如何在日常组织生活中进行组织约束性别规范，以及（2）作为促进旨在提高规范意识的过程的实用工具。这个隐喻体现了一种理解，使可视化相关的正在进行的组织过程和权力维度成为可能。此外，防火墙对于强调变化和复杂性很有用。变化和动态体现在员工需要履行不同的“准则”才能被接受的方式上。拥有通过第一层防火墙（就业）所需的某些代码（规范）并允许访问某些网络，并不能自动确保接受和融入更有影响力的网络（称为非正式和内部防火墙层）。结果进一步表明，防火墙隐喻在促进员工之间的反思过程以提高规范意识和讨论变革策略时是富有成效的。结论是，防火墙隐喻有助于分析约束规范的相关性和复杂性，并且它也可以用来启动变革。