The unit of analysis, its agents and contexts and the ways of interaction in the work processes: a case study

Abstract

One of the problems that accompanies all sociological research, especially the work processes, consists in identifying the unit of analysis and its contexts. This paper analyzes this problem from the case study of the sterilization service at a hospital. The objective of this paper is to propose a descriptive model that, first of all, establishes the different levels implied in the social and work processes; secondly, it identifies, among these levels, the most relevant unit of analysis as well as his content and flexible limits, and thirdly, it also identifies for this units the internal and external agents, showing his mechanisms and ways of intervention.