Abstract

In this paper we explore the exacerbated challenges that middle man-

agers experience as their translation effort is situated in virtual space, as com-

pelled by the Covid-19 crisis. We draw on insights from ANT perspectives and

on data obtained from interviews, online observations of WebEx meetings and

focus groups with members of two units of the operation department of an inter-

national bank. Findings show that the way actors (dis)engage in mutual gazing

due to the positional offset between the capturing camera and display is imposing

time inefficiencies that bring forth disadvantages in aligning meanings and inter-

pretations, crucial to moving in a common direction. To refine responses, middle

managers leverage novel technological affordances. Also, as the more intuitive

and emotional components of ‘performing the translation’ are now being medi-

ated from digital technology, they are found to have implications on a middle

manager’s embodied understanding of performing their identity in a skilled way.

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