Sociology and Organization Theory

Sociology and Organization Theory

Positivism, Paradigms and Postmodernity

by John Hassard

167 pages· 1995· ISBN 9780521484589
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About
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 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 that has profound implications for the theory building process.

Discussion questions for Sociology and Organization Theory

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  1. 1

    How does Hassard’s premise that organization theory is in a state of crisis resonate with your own observations of modern workplaces and institutions?

  2. 2

    In what ways have you personally experienced the influence of orthodox systems theory in how companies or groups are structured today?

  3. 3

    Hassard argues that theoretical paradigms are porous rather than hermetic; how can acknowledging the overlapping boundaries of different viewpoints change the way we solve complex problems in our own organizations?

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