Play is discussed as information-seeking behavior which is accompanied by a subjective, cognitive perspective involving relatively weak commitment to the ‘attainment of goals. Individuals may shift back and forth along a continuum between relatively weak and relatively strong commitment to goal-attainment during almost any activity. The high level of freedom or behavioral flexibility which seems to occur during play is discussed with regard to its importance for cultural and individual change processes, with particular emphasis on an hypothesized dialectical relationship between play and the rest of culture. Too much play may lead to cultural instability, and too little play may lead to cultural stagnation. This relationship provides a useful framework for the consideration of play which occurs in sport situations. Playful behavior may be important for the development of new sports as well as for the development of new techniques and skills in existing sports. Removal of play from sport settings might result in rigid, stereotyped activities which would undergo little future change. Techniques which involve assessment of subjective aspects of individuals are suggested for the study of play in sport situations.
Is There a Downside of Job Accommodations? An Employee Perspective on Individual Change Processes