Title
Talking about Machines: An Ethnography of a Modern Job (Collection on Technology and Work),New
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This is a story of how work gets done. It is also a study of how field service technicians talk about their work and how that talk is instrumental in their success. In his innovative ethnography, Julian E. Orr studies the people who repair photocopiers and shares vignettes from their daily lives. He characterizes their work as a continuous highly skilled improvisation within a triangular relationship of technician, customer, and machine.The work technicians do encompasses elements not contained in the official definition of the job yet vital to its success. Orr's analysis of the way repair people talk about their work reveals that talk is, in fact, a crucial dimension of their practice. Diagnosis happens through a narrative process, the creation of a coherent description of the troubled machine. The descriptions become the basis for technicians' discourse about their experience, and the circulation of stories among the technicians is the principal means by which they stay informed of the developing subtleties of machine behavior. Orr demonstrates that technical knowledge is a socially distributed resource stored and diffused primarily through an oral culture.Based on participant observation with copier repair technicians in the field and strengthened by Orr's own years as a technician, this book explodes numerous myths about technicians and suggests how technical work differs from other kinds of employment.
⚠️ WARNING (California Proposition 65):
This product may contain chemicals known to the State of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm.
For more information, please visit www.P65Warnings.ca.gov.
- Q: What is the page count of this book? A: This book has one hundred ninety-two pages. It offers a comprehensive exploration of the experiences of field service technicians.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: This book is a paperback edition. Paperback bindings are flexible and lightweight, making them easy to carry.
- Q: Who is the author of this book? A: The author is Julian E. Orr. He brings firsthand experience as a technician to his ethnographic study.
- Q: What dimensions does this book have? A: The book measures five point five one inches in length, eight point five inches in height, and zero point five six inches in width. These dimensions make it convenient for reading and handling.
- Q: What genre does this book belong to? A: This book falls under the Labor and Industrial Relations genre. It provides insights into the work culture of technicians.
- Q: How do I read this book effectively? A: You can read this book at your own pace to absorb the detailed narratives. It is suitable for anyone interested in work dynamics and technician stories.
- Q: Is this book suitable for academic study? A: Yes, this book is suitable for academic study. It offers ethnographic research that can be useful for understanding labor relations.
- Q: Can this book help in understanding field service work? A: Yes, it provides valuable insights into the daily lives and challenges faced by field service technicians. The narratives illustrate their improvisational skills.
- Q: Is this book recommended for professionals in the field? A: Yes, it is highly recommended for professionals in the field. It offers practical insights and narratives that resonate with their experiences.
- Q: How should I care for this book? A: To care for this book, keep it in a dry place and avoid exposure to direct sunlight. This will help preserve its condition.
- Q: What is the recommended storage for this book? A: Store this book upright on a shelf or in a bookcase. This prevents bending or damage to the pages.
- Q: Is this book safe for all readers? A: Yes, this book is safe for all readers. It contains professional insights and does not include inappropriate content.
- Q: What should I do if my book arrives damaged? A: If your book arrives damaged, you should contact the seller for a replacement. Most sellers have policies for returns and exchanges.
- Q: Are there any warranties for this book? A: Typically, books do not come with warranties. However, check with the seller for their return policy.
- Q: What if I have questions about the book after purchase? A: If you have questions about the book after purchase, you can reach out to the seller or publisher for assistance.
- Q: Can this book be used for training purposes? A: Yes, this book can be used for training purposes. It provides practical examples that can enhance learning in technical fields.