The vitalist disjuncture between process organization studies and accelerationism

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Paul J. Ennis
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Organization Studies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organization Study

PurposeThis article is concerned with the fundamental differences between Landian accelerationism and the tradition that most closely resembles it within organization studies and process organization studies. Accelerationists and process theorists seem to have much in common, since both bear the influence of vitalism, but there are important conceptual differences that need to be brought to light for accelerationist organization studies (AOSs).Design/methodology/approachThis paper is a straightforward comparison of the fundamental philosophical principles orienting both process organization studies, especially those gleaned from phenomenology and speculative metaphysics, and Landian accelerationism.FindingsProcess organization studies address a localized disciplinary bias towards stability over change and leverage phenomenology and speculative metaphysics to overcome it. Landian accelerationism is a radical account of the supersession of the human by inhuman forces and abandons phenomenology and speculative metaphysics as vitalist variants of correlationism. The two perspectives are shown to be broadly incompatible.Originality/valueThe introduction of accelerationism into organization studies will invariably see it compared with the vitalist strains of process organization studies. This paper emphasizes some of the important differences that exist between these traditions in preparation for an emerging accelerationist organization study tradition.

Organizational access in qualitative research

2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 172-193 ◽  
Author(s):  
Benjamin Nathan Alexander ◽  
Anne D. Smith
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Research ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Primary Analysis ◽  
Organization Studies ◽  
Management Journal ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Systematic Assessment ◽  
Gain Access ◽  
Administrative Science

Purpose While organizational access is central to much qualitative research, little is known about how researchers secure it. The purpose of this paper is to provide a systematic assessment of this critical methodological step. Design/methodology/approach A systematic review was conducted to establish how researchers gained access to organizations for qualitative research. Access type was identified and explanatory indicators were inductively developed to illuminate how access was obtained in a sample of 216 qualitative articles published in Administrative Science Quarterly and Academy of Management Journal between 1986 and 2013. A supplemental review of 306 articles published in Organization Studies over the same period augmented the primary analysis with a broader view of published accounts of access. Findings Learning prior to entering organizations, researchers’ backgrounds, organizational insiders, and outside contacts facilitated access. The role of these factors, which served as indicators of legitimacy, varied with the type of access. In addition, the authors found that many articles provide little information about how the researchers gained access, regardless of a publication’s domicile. Originality/value This study furthers the understanding of how researchers gain access to organizations to conduct qualitative research and discusses the implications of the limited access accounts in published studies. In addition, this research provides practical guidance for authors, editors, and reviewers.

scholarly journals Unlearning towards an uncertain future: on the back end of future-driven unlearning

2019 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 454-469 ◽  
Author(s):  
Markus F. Peschl
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Belief Systems ◽  
Learning Systems ◽  
Specific Result ◽  
Organization Studies ◽  
Innovation Studies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Conceptual Paper ◽  
Uncertain Future ◽  
Forms Of Knowledge

Purpose While many approaches in the field of unlearning aim at describing, understanding or explaining the “what” and/or “how” of unlearning, this paper aims to focus on the “where-to” and the goal of unlearning. In many cases, unlearning starts off with a specific result or goal in mind. This paper suggests that such an approach has to be challenged in the context of a highly complex and uncertain world and to introduce a mode of unlearning following a strategy of future-oriented open-endedness. Design/methodology/approach This conceptual paper draws on (both theoretical/philosophical and empirical) interdisciplinary evidence from a wide variety of fields, such as organization studies, organizational (un)learning, systems theory, cognitive science and innovation studies. Findings It turns out that open-endedness in unlearning processes plays a central role, especially if we are confronted with high levels of uncertainty and complexity. In such an environment, following a strategy of co-becoming with an unfolding environment and with an emergent goal seems to be more promising than aiming at a preconceived (un-)learning goal. Originality/value The unlearning literature provides various approaches to what unlearning is and how it can be executed. However, understanding the actual goals and outcomes of unlearning and how these goals are identified and determined is a rather under-researched field. In many cases, they are preconceived in advance finding their realization in new forms of knowledge, assumptions, belief systems, values or routines. This paper challenges this strategy and addresses the gap of how it is possible to unlearn toward an uncertain future. This has an impact on the process of unlearning itself; it has to be reframed and understood as an open-ended strategy for identifying emerging future potentials, purposes and goals in a process of co-becoming with an unfolding future.

Organization studies as symmetrical ethnology

2017 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-10 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Czarniawska
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Organization Studies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Future Practice ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to challenge some of the taken for granted assumptions of contemporary ethnographic practice by exploring reasons for fieldwork and the debt that is owed to those in the field. Design/methodology/approach Exploring traditional and contemporary reasons for fieldwork and comparing ostensive and performative styles of reporting organization studies. Findings The argument is that traditional ethnographic approaches do not fit contemporary organizing practices. In their place, a “symmetrical ethnology” is proposed. Research limitations/implications More reflective use of labels and terms. Practical implications Better communication with practitioners. Social implications Better dialogue with wider circles. Originality/value An important and timely critique of ethnography together with a reformulation and a number of suggestions for future practice.

It’s about time: theorizing amodern time in historical organization studies

2020 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Gabrielle Durepos ◽  
Terrance Weatherbee ◽  
Albert J. Mills
Keyword(s):  
Literature Review ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Organization Studies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
The Past ◽  
Actor Networks ◽  
History Approach ◽  
Chronological Time

Purpose This paper features a critique of the treatment of time in modern and postmodern historical organization studies. The authors reply to the critique by drawing on Lefebvre’s notion of rhythm to theorize time in an amodern condition. The purpose of this study is to call on historical organization studies scholars to theoretically engage with time. Design/methodology/approach After a pointed literature review of the treatment of time in modern and postmodern historical organization studies, an ANTi-History approach to time is developed through an exploration of how rhythm can inform key ANTi-History facets. Findings New insights on key ANTi-History facets are developed in relation to time. These include seeing the past as history through rhythmic actor-networks, a description of relationalism informed by situated rhythms, a suggestion that the performative aspect of history is rhythmic and an illustration of what one might see if they watched an amodern historian at work. Originality/value Lefebvre’s concept of rhythm has been largely neglected in historiography and historical organization studies. Rhythm offers a way to understand time in relation to situated actor practices as opposed to the universal clock or chronological time.

Interfaith dialogue in a secular field

2017 ◽  
Vol 40 (8) ◽  
pp. 824-844 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kent D. Miller
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Community ◽  
Theological Reflection ◽  
Interfaith Dialogue ◽  
Organization Studies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Attitudes And Behaviors ◽  
Religious Perspectives ◽  
General Guidance ◽  
Organization Research

Purpose Bringing spiritual and religious perspectives to management and organization research requires clarifying the methodological implications and grappling with the diversity that characterizes the research community. This article aims to address both of these issues. The focal question addressed here is, how might spiritual and religious researchers effectively engage in interfaith dialogue in the ostensibly secular field of management and organization studies? Design/methodology/approach This article takes exception to privileging secularism over other faiths and argues for admitting spiritual and religious perspectives into the field of management and organization studies. It addresses how theological reflection can be carried out within a spiritually and religiously pluralist research community in management and organization studies. Findings Section 2 characterizes secularity and raises the possibility of moving beyond secularism to interfaith dialogue in the field of management and organization studies. Section 3 reviews influential perspectives on dialogue to identify attitudes and behaviors conducive to social learning. Section 4 introduces theological reflection as a method for conducting management and organization research and provides guidance and methods for pursuing interfaith dialogue. Research limitations/implications This article proposes interfaith dialogue as a way to explore important assumptions, ultimate concerns and innovative practices that currently go largely unraised in management and organization research. Originality/value This article adds to the methods available in the field by characterizing effective dialogue and introducing and explaining theological reflection. It contributes general guidance and proposes specific methods for moving to interfaith dialogue among researchers working from diverse faiths.

scholarly journals On men, organizations and intersectionality

2014 ◽  
Vol 33 (5) ◽  
pp. 414-428 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeff Hearn
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Research Field ◽  
Social Implications ◽  
Social Categories ◽  
Organization Studies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Historical Changes ◽  
Diversity And Inclusion ◽  
Policy Interventions ◽  
Practical Implications

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to reflect, personally, regarding work, politically and theoretically, on 40 years of involvement in organization studies, profeminism and intersectionality. Design/methodology/approach – The paper uses autoethnography. Findings – The paper shows the need for a broad notion of the field and fieldwork, the development of intersectional thinking, the complexity of men's relations to feminism and intersectionality and the need to both name and deconstruct men in the research field. Research limitations/implications – The paper suggests a more explicit naming and deconstruction of men and other intersectional social categories in doing research. Practical implications – The paper suggests a more explicit naming and deconstruction of men and other intersectional social categories in equality practice. Social implications – The paper suggests a more explicit naming and deconstruction of men and other intersectional social categories in social, political and policy interventions. Originality/value – The paper points to recent historical changes in the connections between feminism, gender, profeminism, organizations and intersectionality in relation to equality, diversity and inclusion.

Why I think shadowing is the best field technique in management and organization studies

2014 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 90-93 ◽  
Author(s):  
Barbara Czarniawska
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Organization Studies ◽  
Extensive Experience ◽  
Organizational Research ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Organizational Settings ◽  
Field Technique

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to explore the value of shadowing as a field technique. Design/methodology/approach – This piece takes the form of a viewpoint. Findings – Barbara Czarniawska describes the methodological journey that led her to the adoption of shadowing approaches in her organizational research. Originality/value – This invited commentary is informed by extensive experience of using shadowing to gather data in organizational settings.

scholarly journals Interrogating silent privileges across the work–life boundaries and careers of high-intensity knowledge professionals

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (4) ◽  
pp. 503-522
Author(s):  
Charlotta Niemistö ◽  
Jeff Hearn ◽  
Mira Karjalainen ◽  
Annamari Tuori
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
High Intensity ◽  
Research Method ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Social Inequalities ◽  
Work Life ◽  
Organizational Level ◽  
Organization Studies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Different Levels

PurposePrivilege is often silent, invisible and not made explicit, and silence is a key question for theorizing on organizations. This paper examines interrelations between privilege and silence for relatively privileged professionals in high-intensity knowledge businesses (KIBs).Design/methodology/approachThis paper draws on 112 interviews in two rounds of interviews using the collaborative interactive action research method. The analysis focuses on processes of recruitment, careers and negotiation of boundaries between work and nonwork in these KIBs. The authors study how relative privilege within social inequalities connects with silences in multiple ways, and how the invisibility of privilege operates at different levels: individual identities and interpersonal actions of privilege (micro), as organizational level phenomena (meso) or as societally constructed (macro).FindingsAt each level, privilege is reproduced in part through silence. The authors also examine how processes connecting silence, privilege and social inequalities operate differently in relation to both disadvantage and the disadvantaged, and privilege and the privileged.Originality/valueThis study is relevant for organization studies, especially in the kinds of “multi-privileged” contexts where inequalities, disadvantages and subordination may remain hidden and silenced, and, thus, are continuously reproduced.

scholarly journals Nurturing the historic turn: “history as theory” versus “history as method”

2019 ◽  
Vol 25 (4) ◽  
pp. 429-443 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wim Van Lent ◽  
Gabrielle Durepos
Keyword(s):  
Design Methodology ◽  
Methodological Pluralism ◽  
Special Issue ◽  
Organization Studies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Theoretical Contribution ◽  
Current Climate ◽  
Theory Versus

Purpose This paper aims to explore the turn in management and organization studies (MOS) and reflect on “history as theory” versus “history as method”. Design/methodology/approach Looking at previous research and the evolution of MOS, this paper situates the special issue papers in the current climate of this area of research. Findings The special issue papers included here each make a theoretical contribution to methodology in historical organization studies. Originality/value The eight articles featured in the special issue offer examples of innovative and historically sensitive methodology that, according to the authors, increase the management historian toolkit and ultimately enhance the methodological pluralism of historical organization studies as a field.

March-ing to the beat of a Maverick Drummer: insights from John Boyd to inform behavioral perspectives

2021 ◽  
Vol ahead-of-print (ahead-of-print) ◽  
Author(s):  
Mie Augier ◽  
Sean F. X. Barrett
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Design Methodology ◽  
Organization Studies ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Behavioral Organization ◽  
Evolutionary Perspectives

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to discuss some of James G. March’s key ideas and extend and integrate them with the works and ideas of John Boyd, whose work is highly relevant to, yet neglected by, behavioral and evolutionary perspectives on decision-making, organizations and strategy. Design/methodology/approach This paper integrates and synthesizes ideas in behavioral organization studies with those of John Boyd. Findings The authors suggest that when integrated, Boydian and Marchian ideas can enrich the understanding of particular ideas and mechanisms identified in behavioral organization studies and help broaden the intellectual and interdisciplinary range of the field in consonance with March’s vision for it. Originality/value The authors combine and integrate ideas central to the field of organization studies with those of an “outsider.”

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