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Singing in the train: aligning efficiency with core values through embodied occupational practices

conference contribution
posted on 2025-01-31, 11:44 authored by Daniel FisherDaniel Fisher, Daisy Eusun Chung
This paper examines how an occupational community manages demands for efficiency in relation to embodied practices. Through observations and by conducting semi-structured interviews with train drivers working in the UK rail industry we observe embodied practices are accomplished both internally and relationally to serve the core value of safety. To better understand this, we draw on recent work on embodiment and organizational body work to explain how drivers’ bodies interacts with organizational design and technology, but also how certain efficiency demands met or disregarded. We do this by considering the demands and agency of both the body and the mind of train drivers: from sleep, physical health (the body) to mental health, fatigue and attention (the mind). The interplay of these occupational features offers insights into how value can be understood as a way of being. This analysis more clearly illustrates how values are not just beholden to the mind but are also realized through the body enabling workers to assert their autonomy.

History

Publication status

  • Published

Journal

Academy of Management Proceedings

ISSN

0065-0668

Publisher

Academy of Management

Issue

1

Volume

2023

Event name

Academy of Management

Event location

Boston

Event type

conference

Department affiliated with

  • Business and Management Publications
  • Management Publications

Institution

University of Sussex

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

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