Аннотация:Work settings have changed dramatically since the introduction of New Informational technology. One of the major changes can be characterized as an increased “mentalization” of work activity (Meijer & Roe, 1993). In postulating a new class of work in which these changes in work activity are reflected, the concept “Mental Information Work” (MIW) (Roe & Meijer, 1990) was introduced. In constructing it, MIV was considered a “tool of the mind”, i.e. a concept to understand and organize our knowledge on work activity and explore its changes. In this paper we explore more fundamentally the demarcating boundaries of MIW.
Coming from work psychology, we confine this exploration to theoretical constructs used within this field of knowledge, in particular action (regulation) theory (e.g. Hacker, 1986). The idea of “mentalization” refers on one hand to properties of the external system we are working in (e.g. context. Objects, tool etc.), in other cases it refers to the way in which we handle the world psychologically and physically (e.g. activity, actions and action regulation processes). We explore the unity of both classes of demarcation dimensions of work, external and internal, for describing the components and pursuit, i.e. the function and status of meta-cognitive strategies in the regulation of (mental) work activity. An exhaustive analysis of types of mental work, however, is beyond the scope of this paper.
We conclude that the conceptualization of MIW, within the paradigm of action theory, can only take place by acknowledging its emerging complex features, and by using a multidimensional approach in defining and classifying it. Future theoretical efforts should incorporate knowledge of cognitive and developmental psychology and should be extended with methodological issues, like the development of analytical tools for encountering MIW.