Understanding work units and activities – A perspective from general psychsology

Abstract

González (2006) proposes a novel conceptual contribution to a general psychological framework concerning activity commonly, if somewhat inappropriately, termed in English, ‘activity theory’.1 González argues for this extension to the general framework based on a set of empirical studies outlined in his dissertation. While aspects of these observations are indeed of interest, they will not be discussed further here, as the focus of this commentary is on the claims being put forward concerning the need for a new conceptual level in the activity system. This commentary will take issue with a number of the González’s arguments concerning this enterprise, and raises some questions as to the status of the proposed new level of ‘working spheres’ or ‘engagements’. The argumentation that follows may appear somewhat recondite for an article in a general HCI journal such as Interacting with Computers, but given the popularity of ‘activity theory’ recently in HCI, perhaps it is now necessary to become more involved in the genesis of this approach and its theoretical implications.

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