Research Catalog

Title

Sociology and organization theory : positivism, paradigms, and postmodernity / John Hassard.

Author

Hassard, John, 1953-

Publication

Cambridge [England] ; New York, NY : Cambridge University Press, 1993.

Items in the Library & Off-site

Details

Description

xi, 167 pages; 24 cm.

Summary

"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."--Jacket.

Series Statement

Cambridge studies in management ; 20

Uniform Title

Cambridge studies in management ; 20.

Subjects

• Paradigms (Social sciences)
• Organizational sociology

Bibliography (note)

• Includes bibliographical references and indexes.

Contents

Foundations of orthodoxy -- The hegemony of systems -- From functionalism to fragmentation -- Closed paradigms and analytical openings -- Multiple paradigm research -- Postmodernism and organization.

ISBN

• 0521350344
• 9780521350341
• 0521484588
• 9780521484589

LCCN

92028988

OCLC

• ocm26398629
• 26398629
• SCSB-8791073

Owning Institutions

Princeton University Library