Chain of tensions driving informational transition: A longitudinal study on how liminal solutions impact practices of information sharing at work

Abstract This paper addresses the concept of informational transition, which here refers to changes in information‐sharing practices that are traditionally based on co‐location in the office but became abruptly disrupted due to the COVID‐19 lockdowns. It presents findings from a qualitative, 2‐year longitudinal interview study involving 13 university employees. The results indicate that socio‐material changes created a liminal space during the lockdowns that necessitated new ways to share information. The transition was initially driven by pragmatic, tactical, and existential tensions, resulting in liminal solutions during the lockdowns. These tensions primarily stemmed from the inadequacy of digital alternatives to fully replicate in‐person interactions in the office. Once the offices reopened, the tensions shifted toward reevaluating the effectiveness of practices used before the lockdowns. After the lockdowns, information‐sharing practices were adapted to incorporate new elements while downplaying some previous practices. Furthermore, the findings suggest that such informational transitions in information practices also have broader implications for work practices in general.