This paper reports findings of an analysis into active badges as sociological phenomena. It examines the symbolic meaning given to active badges, the normative constraints underpinning attitudes to active badges ; and the relationship between normative constraints, meaning, use, and the moral order of a workplace. It will be suggested that active badges can usefully be viewed as totems. The materials discussed derive from ethnographically informed interviews of 44 members of a corporate research institution. Similarities between this setting and other workplaces will be remarked. The role of sociological reasoning in design will conclude the paper.

