It is a good short theoretical explanation of the part of Giddens’ structuration theory on which I focused my research. The complete theory is more extensive and also more abstract. However, for this purpose I think it would be useful to give it a try to explain the essence of the structuration theory in ‘plain English’.

Like Bas explained, the model that Giddens introduced consists of three layers. The top layer represents the structure, the bottom layer the agent (or interaction) and both layers are connected by the middle layer, which represent the modalities.
Structure may be defined as the larger context of society in which individuals interact with each other. Structures of signification are defined as the production of meaning through organized webs of language (e.g. a person with a white coat in the hospital has the role of a doctor). Structures of domination convey important messages about the degree of power they are considered to hold (e.g. a police officers’ uniform enable them to fine somebody who broke the speed limit). Structures of legitimation define the appropriate dress code in particular settings by means of societal norms, values and standards (e.g. formal clothing during most interviews).
The three modalities are the interpretive schemes, facilities and norms. They translate structure into action, which means that these modalities may explain they way individuals behave in particular situations. However, this is not a one-way street. Individuals can also affect the structure (e.g. a particular influential individual decides that ties are not done at formal meetings and this may affect how other people think about wearing ties in such settings). The interpretive scheme can be seen as a framework in which people interact with each other. While facilities give particular people more power than others (e.g. the possibility to punish or reward others). Norms always depend on the context and thus what is an appropriate manner for people to interact with each other.
The layer of interaction contains the variables communication, power and sanctions. This actually represents the action of an individual. Communication is what happens in speech and gestures. Power is something that can be exercised, for example by rewarding someone (positive sanction).

The following example may clarify various parts of model from Gidden’s theory.
“Today Jim had a job interview for the position of senior consultant at a large organization. He was wearing a business suit with a tie and proper shoes. This was chosen because the structures of legitimation define the appropriate dress code for particular situations (i.e. a formal job interview in this case).
At the end of that day he gets into his car and drives home. On the way home Jim hears a siren and sees a police officer signaling him to pull over his car. The structures of signification and the interpretive scheme tell Jim that this person is really a police officer, due to the siren and the police badge. Therefore Jim stops his car. The police officer walks towards Jim, in a slow pace. Jim gets nervous and worries about what is going to happen. Once the police officer stands next to Jim’s car, it becomes clear what happened. Jim broke the speed limit, because the norm was 50 mph, while Jim drove 70 mph. Structures of domination convey the message that this police officer (i.e. due to his uniform and badge) has the facilities to exercise a particular degree of power to sanction Jim, by communicating that Jim will receive a speeding ticket. Jim accepts the ticket without complaining (i.e. this is the norm in the relationship civilian-police officer) and tantrum and continues his drove home to his lovely wife.”

Although the example is simple and not specifically aimed at self-organization and collaborative spaces, I think it is clear that this theory can be extremely useful with respect to this blog’s subject.

I am still bewildered by the Giddens’ Structuration Theory. I would really like see someone explain this in simple terms. It took even Bob quite a while before he mastered this theory. And showed that it can be of practical value..