Sociology and Organization Theory
Positivism, Paradigms and Postmodernity
Part of Cambridge Studies in Management
- Author: John Hassard
- Date Published: April 1995
- availability: Available
- format: Paperback
- isbn: 9780521484589
Paperback
Other available formats:
eBook
Looking for an inspection copy?
This title is not currently available on inspection
-
It has been claimed that organisation theory is in a state of 'crisis'. This book traces the history of the orthodox systems theory paradigm in organisation 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 organisational research, and an epistemological framework for postmodern organisational analysis.
Reviews & endorsements
'An exciting and important book…a significant contribution to organization theory.' British Journal of Industrial Relations
See more reviews'Commendable for its lucidity and thorough scholarship.' The Times Higher Education Supplement
Customer reviews
Not yet reviewed
Be the first to review
Review was not posted due to profanity
×Product details
- Date Published: April 1995
- format: Paperback
- isbn: 9780521484589
- length: 184 pages
- dimensions: 229 x 152 x 11 mm
- weight: 0.31kg
- availability: Available
Table of Contents
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.
Sorry, this resource is locked
Please register or sign in to request access. If you are having problems accessing these resources please email lecturers@cambridge.org
Register Sign in» Proceed
You are now leaving the Cambridge University Press website. Your eBook purchase and download will be completed by our partner www.ebooks.com. Please see the permission section of the www.ebooks.com catalogue page for details of the print & copy limits on our eBooks.
Continue ×Are you sure you want to delete your account?
This cannot be undone.
Thank you for your feedback which will help us improve our service.
If you requested a response, we will make sure to get back to you shortly.
×