‘SMART goals’ and ‘HR language’ : technologised literacy practices and counter-conduct in the workplace

Luke, Alex and Tusting, Karin (2025) ‘SMART goals’ and ‘HR language’ : technologised literacy practices and counter-conduct in the workplace. Text and Talk. ISSN 1860-7330

Abstract

This study examines the use of literacy practices in a performance management system which aims to produce reflective practitioners, and how these practices were discursively resisted by staff. It employed a linguistic ethnographic research method, drawing on interactional data, interviews, field notes, and documentation to examine technologised literacy practices. These practices were a form of technologisation of discourse in the workplace, and were usually forms of writing connected to the performance management system that worked to also position reviewees as reflective practitioners. However, running parallel with these was a form of discursive counter-conduct that variously portrayed these practices as HR language, KPI language or managese. Implications for workplace discourse, and the interplay between institutional and professional discourses, are explored.