Ursula Plesner

Ursula Plesner is an Associate Professor at the Department of Organization, Copenhagen Business School, specializing in the intersection of digital technologies and organizational phenomena. Her research explores how digitalization transforms work practices, managerial roles, and power dynamics in public sector organizations.

• Primary Research Areas: Digital organizing, invisible work, digitalization of public sector organizations
• Current Projects: Leading the Velux HUMpraxis project MEDIN (Metoder til digital inklusion) on digital inclusion of marginalized citizens; collaborating on the DiNoBord project about digital border control
• Recent Grants: Velux HUMpraxis grant (2026), DFF grant for the VIEW project on invisible digital work

Her scholarly work reveals recurring patterns in digitalized organizations:

• Emergence of invisible work counteracting automation promises
• Clashes between efficiency ambitions and everyday digital work
• Transformation of managerial work through visibility management practices
• Complex power dynamics in algorithmic systems

PhD Supervision includes projects on:

• Digitalization of Danish courts
• AI implementation in pension companies
• Meaningfulness in frontline digital work
• Political organization in digital spaces

External Engagement demonstrates practical impact through talks and workshops for municipalities (Haderslev, Gentofte), regional governments (Region Sjælland), and public sector organizations, addressing digitalization challenges and leadership practices.