The construction of worker-subjects in the public health system of Andalusia (Spain)

Abstract

In this paper, we present the results of a larger investigation in which, relying on the concept of interpretative repertoire put forward by Potter and Wetherell, we analyze the emerging discursive framework of the Andalusian Public Health System in terms of the arguments-ideas behind such framework. In a previous paper, we identified three major discursive groups that we labelled as critical, ontological, and legitimating. At this second stage, we address the subjectivities constructed on the basis of these repertoires and we emphasize three categories of subjects: healthcare, non-healthcare, and citizens. We draw attention to the multi-discursive nature of the organization and, therefore, the multi-referentiality inherent in the processes of subjectivity construction as well as the —potential— organisational consequences of assuming one or another type of subjectivity. We conclude by proposing the need for a dialogic model of management that includes the system's multi-discursive variety toward a same direction.