Constantly Online and the Fantasy of ‘Work–life Balance’: Reinterpreting Work-connectivity as Cynical Practice and Fetishism

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    Abstract

    Smartphones and other mobile communication devices are promoted with promises of enhancing professional competence and individual freedom in working life, and in work–life balance. However, an emerging stream of research demonstrates that the adoption of such technologies is accompanied by increasing stress, collective control and work intensification. This article provides a discussion of recent research on the effects of smartphone usage in contemporary organizational life. Generally, this research presents a contradiction between, on the one hand, the discourse on technologies as a means to enhance individual autonomy and competence and, on the other hand, the de facto incorporation of technology users in networks of control and an unhealthy work culture of permanent connectivity. Finding inspiration in the work of Slavoj Žižek and his development of psychoanalytical concepts, this article offers an alternative approach to this issue. It does so by reconsidering how to understand employee subjectivity and, specifically, why employees voluntarily embrace company-sponsored smartphones although they are fully aware of the damage that this technology creates in their personal lives.
    OriginalsprogEngelsk
    TidsskriftCulture and Organization
    Vol/bind23
    Udgave nummer5
    Sider (fra-til)363-378
    Antal sider16
    ISSN1475-9551
    DOI
    StatusUdgivet - 2017

    Bibliografisk note

    Published online: 18. August 2016

    Emneord

    • Communication technology
    • Work–life balance
    • Ideology
    • Dis-identification
    • Fantasy
    • Slavoj Žižek

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