Frameworks and Messaging

This article examines changes in managers’ activity by looking at the intensity of their use of messaging. Based on research in the offices of a local authority, the authors analyze new forms of relationship to work, resulting from managers’ use of messaging. The intense use of this technology put the inherent tensions into perspective by highlighting both the effects of rhythm and the strengthening of bureaucratic activities. Electronic flows create uncertainties that reinforce bureaucratic activities around information management. The emergence of a collective norm of availability, the centralization of decision making, and the individual isolation of levels of information are shown to be the corollary of intensive use of messaging.