Podem as inova es nas organiza es “aprender” com as vivências quotidianas dos operadores?

In a factory for automobile radios we analysed the effect of post-fordist innovations in the everyday work activities of three teams in an assembly line, working consecutive hours. Unstable markets and high demands prompt the company to develop a strong work rationalization, sustained in discretionary action spaces. We present some of the company′s implemented innovations, such as quantity and quality of production control systems, flexibilization of human resources and the application of a differentiated production plan. Taking these innovations as reference we interpreted the operators′ work activity dynamics required to manage production, and we discussed the role of individual and collective skills either in managing daily work activities or in settings considered critical. We insisted upon the need for rethinking the meaning given to innovations while forgetting daily work practices.