The non-corporeal actant as a link between actor-network theory and critical sensemaking : a case study of Air Canada

Abstract

This thesis explores the relationship between the choices made by individuals and the influences of the groups to which those individuals belong. To interrogate the nature of groups, the thesis employs ideas from actor-network theory. In the investigation of individuals and their choices, work from critical sensemaking theory is applied. The theoretical contribution of the thesis is the bringing together of these two significant areas of research. The second theoretical contribution is the development of a connecting link between critical sensemaking and actor-network theory described herein as the non-corporeal actant. This newly described form of actant seems to be a plausible means of crossing the gap between the nature of groups from actor-network theory and the choices of individuals as described by critical sensemaking. The work which produced these plausible linkages was a study of one significant event in the history of Air Canada. The case material centres on the appointment of the new CEO for the organization in 1968. An ANTi-History approach was used to follow the actors around in three distinct, but interrelated, networks: Air Canada management; the Federal Government; and the employees. The histories written about these three groups covering the period seem to adopt three very different perspectives on the CEO appointment. By following a series of moves (research steps), both the nature of the groups and the chroniclers’ sensemaking are surfaced. In turn, these moves appear to demonstrate powerful influence from the non-corporeal actants on the choices made by the authors of the histories.