Framing uncertainty: narratives, change and digital technologies

Using material from three qualitative studies into the social psychological processes surrounding uncertainty and change in organizations, this paper explores the insights gained from conceptualizing narratives as a bounded space that accommodates disruptions while providing safety in uncertain conditions. The empirical material illustrates how narratives are used to transmit permanence and collective knowledge while allowing for self-development and the managing of emotions. The use of narratives to make sense of change processes is particularly relevant in regard to the current widespread use of digital technologies for communication and information sharing. The paper suggests that the fragmentation and plurivocality that new digital technologies bring to the workplace can be framed, contained and managed safely within collectively created narrative spaces.