Organisational Knowledge in Mobile Workplaces: A Theoretical Investigation

The emergence and convergence of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are transforming fundamental issues of mobility. However, current debates on mobility almost exclusively focus on how ICTs can alleviate geographical barriers for human activities. This paper reconsiders, from a theoretical perspective, the concept of mobility. We argue that mobility should not exclusively be linked to human corporeal travel. The concept also relates to the interaction people perform. In order to appreciate the topological nature of human interaction, three interrelated dimensions of mobility are discussed: spatial, temporal, and contextual. A fluid metaphor is suggested as a means of capturing the topology of mobile interaction. Based on these sociological discussions, the concept of Ba is forwarded as a way of situating mobile interaction in organisational contexts.