Sociology and Organization Theory
Positivism, Paradigms and Postmodernity

This book examines the claim that organisation theory is in a state of 'crisis'.

John Hassard (Author)

9780521484589, Cambridge University Press

Paperback, published 6 April 1995

184 pages
22.9 x 15.2 x 1.1 cm, 0.31 kg

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

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.

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.

Subject Areas: Organizational theory & behaviour [KJU]