Schulz, FlorianFlorianSchulzSklaveniti, ChrysavgiChrysavgiSklaveniti2023-04-132023-04-132017-07-03https://www.alexandria.unisg.ch/handle/20.500.14171/102200Our paper explores how inanimate objects relate to emotions of autonomy and control, by studying relationships workers develop with communication and information technologies (CIT) in two different knowledge-intensive service firms. Drawing on psychoanalytic objectrelations theory, we develop an alternative approach to emotions by suggesting that workers build inner representations of important agents, which form the basis of bi-directional relationship experiences. Methodologically, our paper presents ego-map interviews as a means to illustrate the character and intensity of these relationships. Our empirical findings indicate that expectations of co-workers towards CIT are internalized, and consequently influence workers‘ feelings of being controlled through CIT. Drawing on Winnicott, we argue that CIT may be understood as «transitional objects», through which workers attempt to reduce psychological pressures that result from the internalized expectation to constantly perform and be «turned on».enconference paper