Disorganization Theory: Explorations in Alternative Organizational Analysis

Organizational analysis has moved in a number of directions since its origins in mainstream theories of positivism and functionalism. This challenging new book sets out an alternative agenda for the field, discussing existing critical discourses, whilst exploring a selection of emerging ideas and arguments. Addressing a series of key epistemological, conceptual and methodological issues, Disorganization Theory is designed to encourage reflexive thinking on the part of the reader. Influenced by critical philosophies of deconstruction and discourse, the book not only offers insight into established debates surrounding, for example, postmodernism and actor-network theory, but also brings forth new insights in the field: mimesis, consumption, retrospection, decoration, governmentality, and fluidity theories are all discussed. Written by an international team of leading organizational theorists, this book is an important and contentious addition to the literature. It is an idealcompanion for students and researchers working in the fields of advanced organization and management theory, and critical management studies.

John Hassard is Professor of Organizational Analysis at the Manchester Business School and Senior Professorial Research Associate at the Judge Business School, University of Cambridge.