Postmodernism and Organizations
- John Hassard - University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, UK
- Martin Parker - Bristol University, UK
The book introduces the concepts underpinning a postmodern organizational analysis, contrasting modern and postmodern forms of explanation and addressing the distinctions between postmodernity and postmodernism. Succeeding chapters then examine and assess the interplay of major postmodernist themes - such as deconstruction, desire, difference, pluralism and relativism - with key topics of organizational analysis and research. The final section is one of critique, as its authors variously argue that postmodernism fails adequately to address the realities of power, control and change in a globalizing world.
`I very much liked Dr Michael Reed's chapter on continuities and discontinuities, as well as Professor Paul Thompson on postmodernism as a `fatal distraction', and Professor Gibson Burrell on the university in postmodern times' - Journal of General Management
`Most of the papers are written with an unusual degree of wit and good humour which gives the collection an aura of seriousness tempered by a feeling that, collectively, the authors do not take themselves - or postmodernism - too seriously. The result is a refreshing and considered commentary on the main subject matter.... The first section of the book comprising contributions from those in the main well-disposed to the postmodernist enterprise is generally interesting and accessible.... The ... paper by Gibson Burrell - 'Eco and the Bunnymen' - deserves special mention... because it is hysterically funny. Humour apart, Burrell offers a brief but penetrating analysis of the implications of postmodernist thought for an understanding of the search for universal 'truths' as mediated by the university and the academic 'community' more generally.... can be warmly recommended for academics' bookshelves and as a useful text for students on specialist courses in organisational studies.... the postmodernist's delight.' - Work, Employment and Society
`It carries with it the singular benefit of an enormously clear and accessible representation of the meaning of post-modernism (by Hassard), and an equally clear and convincing account of why post-modern theory is less compelling than post-modernists suppose (by Parker). As an edited collection, it is one of the most intelligible accounts of what a postmodern perspective on organisations might require' - Health and Social Care
