Our Elgar Concise Introductions are inspiring and considered. They explain the key principles in business and are expertly written by some of the world’s leading scholars. The aims of the series are two-fold: to pinpoint essential concepts of business and management, and to offer insights that stimulate critical thinking.In this Concise Introduction, Michael Lounsbury and Joel Gehman set out an overview of organization theory that clarifies how to cultivate a robust scholarly identity in a field rich with diverse research traditions. Providing a summary of rationalist, pragmatic and co-constitutive theories, they highlight how scholars can meaningfully contribute to the academic conversation and maximize the practical relevance of their work.Key features:Provides a comparative analysis of different organization theoriesHelps scholars mindfully position themselves and their work within specific academic discussionsHighlights opportunities to bridge ontological differences by engaging in scholarly debates across theoretical categoriesThis Concise Introduction is a crucial reference point for organization scholars. It will also appeal to doctoral students and early-career scholars in management, strategy and entrepreneurship.
Michael Lounsbury, Professor of Strategy, Entrepreneurship and Management, Alberta School of Business, University of Alberta, Canada and Professor of Business Strategy & Entrepreneurship, The Australian National University College of Business and Economics, Australia and Joel Gehman, Professor of Strategic Management and Public Policy and Lindner-Gambal Professor, George Washington School of Business, George Washington University, US
Contents:1 Introduction: the organization theory landscape2 Rationalist theories3 Pragmatic theories4 Co-constitutive theories5 The broad reach of organization theory6 Conclusion: building a robust scholarly identity References
‘Mike Lounsbury and Joel Gehman take us on an impressive journey in which they lay out the landscape of contemporary organization theory in a compelling and engaging way. Not only do they cover existing perspectives comprehensively and in depth, they also offer an innovative and powerful approach to navigating this extremely broad literature. Their take will profoundly reshape how we will map the field in the future. An absolute must-read for scholars and students of organization.’