Biomedical Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
Therefore, the process of development is twofold (see Figure 3.1). It
involves, simultaneously, a process of mobilization of the subject in the
activity and a process of sedimentation of activity within the subject
(Delgoulet and Vidal-Gomel, this volume). 'What I do is what I am'. Within
this double loop connecting the subject to the real situation where activ-
ity is carried out, the dynamic process of mobilization and sedimentation
occurs. Development focuses both on the drivers of the activity of the act-
ing subject and on the various domains of its existence.
However, the development of the psychosocial dimension does not
impact just the subject taken individually. By definition, it also extends to
the social system.
The mirror dynamics of the acting subject and the social system
The encounter between the subject and reality is not made in isolation.
Beyond divisions of work imposed by the organization, the activity of an
individual is always connected with other individuals, via the social inter-
actions required for their coordination (Boissières and de Terrsac, 2002).
These interactions rely on sharing a framework of social norms, which are
known and acknowledged by all (see Caroly and Barcellini, this volume).
These social norms define goals, task attributions, instructions, rules and
regulations to comply with, deadlines to reach, evaluation criteria, modes
of control and systems to use. They regulate the circulation of informa-
tion, the means of communication and cooperation, the management of
tension within the collective, the means to capitalize on experience and
the technical means available. They set markers for what should be done
and give criteria for engaging in an action and understanding its scope.
This set constitutes a 'common good' and provides resources to deal
with unforeseen events, tensions and the events that occur. It should not
be a source of constraints (de Terssac and Gaillard, 2009). Beyond the fact
that it has a prescriptive character regarding the means to be used and the
processes to be applied, it also conveys, in a more or less explicit manner,
values and preconceptions regarding the work to be done and the trade.
What the reader needs to understand here is that these social norms
were not elaborated 'in some place other' than in collective activity. They
are the product of the sedimentation of the interactions between all of
the agents within the system in time, whether these agents are 'mere
operators' or 'major decision-makers'. Social norms capitalize organiza-
tional decisions. They show agreement and disagreement regarding how
the work should be done. They are subjected to the filter of the reality of
work situations and collective experience. They have successfully passed
the trial of sharing - or indeed, of confrontation - of the knowledge and
