A1 Journal article (refereed)
Care workers in elder care : the Four Flows of constituting care organisations on social media (2024)

Levonius, V., & Sivunen, A. (2024). Care workers in elder care : the Four Flows of constituting care organisations on social media. Communication Research and Practice, 10(1), 60-75. https://doi.org/10.1080/22041451.2023.2275817

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Levonius, Vilja; Sivunen, Anu

Journal or series: Communication Research and Practice

ISSN: 2204-1451

eISSN: 2206-3374

Publication year: 2024

Publication date: 08/01/2024

Volume: 10

Issue number: 1

Pages range: 60-75

Publisher: Routledge

Publication country: Australia

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/22041451.2023.2275817

Publication open access: Openly available

Publication channel open access: Open Access channel

Publication is parallel published (JYX): https://jyx.jyu.fi/handle/123456789/92852

Abstract

This qualitative study delves into the impact of social media within a private elder care organisation, where its daily use was mandatory. It examines how care and care organizations take shape through the daily practices of care workers. Utilizing the concept of agency within the Communication Constituting Organisations framework (CCO) and its Four Flows model, we analyse how communication processes shape the organisational engagement of care workers. The study draws on interviews, observations, and a sample of the organisation's Twitter feed. The Four Flows illustrate care workers as proactive social media users motivated by personal values. While social media introduces new work tasks and alternative perspectives on traditional care, it also raises concerns about potentially prioritising technology over person-centric care. This research underscores how social media influences the content and methodologies of care within the framework of Communication Constituting Organisations (CCO) theories.

Keywords: care work; work with the elderly; care for the elderly; human agency; social media

Free keywords: agency; social media; four flows; communication constituting organisations; care work; elder care

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

VIRTA submission year: 2024

Preliminary JUFO rating: 1