Knowledge Workspace Design Problem Definition: Assimilative Coherence Effects on Project Outcomes

The physical work environment that supports knowledge workers in the performance of their work contributes toward an organization’s success. In order to design a supportive workspace, the projects design team must develop a unified project problem definition that leads to a design solution responsive to worker needs. This paper reports on a qualitative study of nine workspace design projects for knowledge work organizations based on interviews conducted with the design and facilities professionals, and respective managers and workers. The findings point toward a divergence of perception, relevance and influence among these key actors resulting in negative assessment of their individual contributions toward the design of a successful workspace outcome. This negative relational state precludes the formation of a unified project problem definition for the entire team. While a coherence of the design objective is present on an individual level; on a team level, a precursor of shared vision and values, and a common vernacular appears to be lacking in order to achieve an assimilation of the individual coherence states.