A new theoretical framework for artifact-mediated regulation

In this paper, we attempt to integrate the traditionally disparate concepts of technology design, use and organizational practice in organizational studies. Using Jean-Daniel Reynaud’s joint-regulation theory, we demonstrate how these traditionally separate perspectives on ICT-related practice and organizational change process can be brought together under the umbrella of a practice-based view emphasizing rule-setting in organizations. Further, we synthesize existing accounts of practice-based view on organizational processes to introduce the notion of artifact-mediated regulation. It is argued that combined with Reynaud’s joint-regulation theory, the proposed notion of artifact-mediated regulation provides a tool for holistic analysis of the dynamics between ICT design and use and organizational practice.