Developing and evaluating the Organizational Constraints Analysis (OCA) approach to analysing work coordination via resource allocation case studies

Abstract

In this paper, we introduce an Organizational Constraints Analysis (OCA) approach to work analysis that focuses on how organizational rules constrain coordination work possibilities. OCA is guided by ideas from Cognitive Work Analysis and by organizational theory. First, using nurse rostering and rail controller rostering case studies, we discuss the development of two analytical tools: the Organizational Constraints model and Work Possibilities template. Second, we conduct an initial test of the generalizability of the analytical tools in a hospital bed management domain. Overall, the findings suggest that the OCA approach has the potential to help researchers and analysts develop a richer understanding of the organizational processes that constrain the coordination of work.