ABSTRACT
Systems work to maintain their boundaries and relations of the parts to the whole in an ordered way. The latter perspective views boundaries as constructed through language as part of a process of interaction between different actors and therefore more permeable and open to negotiate. One major difference between these perspectives is the room they make for structure and agency within their conceptualisation of boundaries. Traversing some boundaries can signal great changes in terms of language, culture and beliefs, although others may render little in the way of difference. Transition over boundaries can be facilitated via possession of appropriate items and hindered by their absence. Some boundaries have significant and sustained histories that render them immutable, while others are newer and subject to revision with less resistance. The idea of the boundaryless organisation is at one extreme of the continuum, where it is suggested that boundaries should be removed altogether.
