The role of videoconferencing technology on middle managers translation of organization change

In this paper we explore the exacerbated challenges that middle man agers experience as their translation effort is situated in virtual space, as compelled by the Covid-19 crisis. We draw on insights from ANT perspectives and on data obtained from interviews, online observations of WebEx meetings and focus groups with members of two units of the operation department of an inter national bank. Findings show that the way actors (dis)engage in mutual gazing due to the positional offset between the capturing camera and display is imposing time inefficiencies that bring forth disadvantages in aligning meanings and inter pretations, crucial to moving in a common direction. To refine responses, middle managers leverage novel technological affordances. Also, as the more intuitive and emotional components of ‘performing the translation’ are now being medi ated from digital technology, they are found to have implications on a middle manager’s embodied understanding of performing their identity in a skilled way.