O1 Abstract
Craft in Engineering (2023)

Peltoniemi, M., & Sihvonen, A. (2023). Craft in Engineering. In S. Taneja (Ed.), Annual Meeting Proceedings : Boston 2023 (2023). Academy of Management. Academy of Management Annual Meeting Proceedings, 2023. https://doi.org/10.5465/AMPROC.2023.17392abstract

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Peltoniemi, Mirva; Sihvonen, Antti

Parent publication: Annual Meeting Proceedings : Boston 2023

Parent publication editors: Taneja, Sonia

Conference:

Place and date of conference: Boston, USA, 4.-8.8.2023

Journal or series: Academy of Management Annual Meeting Proceedings

ISSN: 0065-0668

eISSN: 2151-6561

Publication year: 2023

Publication date: 24/07/2023

Number in series: 2023

Volume: 2023

Issue number: 1

Publisher: Academy of Management

Publication country: United States

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.5465/AMPROC.2023.17392abstract

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access: 

Abstract

Research on the engineering profession has devoted substantial attention to engineers’ political role, while the content of engineering work has received limited attention. In this study, we shed light on engineering work by studying its craft dimensions since engineering combines both craft and science. Our empirical fieldwork focuses on the development of analysis and testing methods and equipment at Central Laboratory, the R&D alliance of the Finnish pulp and paper industry, from 1920 to 1972. By using grounded theory and process research techniques, we analyzed 56 engineering projects to understand the dimensions and processes of engineering craft. Our findings reveal three dimensions of engineering craft: 1) mastery of transformation techniques that enable translating ideas and scientific principles into methods and equipment, 2) balancing scientific accuracy and practical application to steer work towards practical usefulness, and 3) interacting with the engineering community to determine standards of quality and manage their position. During crafting processes, these three dimensions generate cycles of problem-finding and problem-solving that focused either on routinized problem-solving or the creation of novel solutions. The creation of novelty suggests that engineering involves creativity, and these creative acts focus on the production of effective solutions. Together the different dimensions of engineering craft and how they are used in crafting processes help engineers to resist mechanization of their work because engineering work requires human judgment and ingenuity.

Keywords: engineers; work content; engineering; problem solving; application (use); craft skills; creativity

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Won't be reported