Sociology and Organization Theory: Positivism, Paradigms, and Postmodernity

ISBN-13: 9780521484589 / Angielski / Miękka / 1995 / 184 str.

John Hassard

Opis

It has been claimed that organization theory is in a state of 'crisis'. This book traces the history of the orthodox systems theory paradigm in organization studies from its foundations in positivist sociology, through its theoretical and empirical development under structural-functionalism, to its recent deconstruction by postmodernists. The analysis offers general support for the 'sociology-in-crisis' thesis, but takes issue with one of its main propositions, that paradigms are incommensurable. It is argued that paradigms are porous rather than hermetic phenomena, a fact which has profound implications for the theory building process. Based on language-game philosophy, a dialectical theory is developed to illustrate how seemingly exclusive idioms can be mediated. The enquiry provides a pluri-paradigm method for organizational research, and an epistemological framework for postmodern organizational analysis.

Recenzje

'Commendable for its lucidity and thorough scholarship.' The Times Higher Education Supplement

Spis treści

Introduction; 1. Foundations of orthodoxy; 2. The hegemony of systems; 3. From functionalism to fragmentation; 4. Closed paradigms and analytical openings; 5. Multiple paradigm research; 6. Postmodernism and organisation; Notes; Bibliography; Author index; Subject index.