Why new theories of organization are unlikely and what to do about it

P. Hibbert, J.A.A. Sillince, T. Diefenbach

    Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper

    Abstract

    In this paper, we build an approach to the development of new theory that overcomes a number of related and mutually reinforcing problems that collectively suppress generative debate. The problems we are concerned with are intellectual isolation, misleading and self-deceptive rhetoric and ideological closure, all of which arguably hinder the development of novel theory. These problems are exacerbated by their cumulative nature; that is, isolated theory-building communities of practice inevitably become constrained by their rhetorical practices, which in turn results in ideological closure. We offer three connected strategies to address these issues. First, to address intellectual isolation, we suggest a relational, boundary crossing strategy. Second, to avoid being misled by rhetoric, we suggest an interpretive empiricist approach to the development of theory from data. Third, to address ideological closure, we suggest a radically reflexive approach. Taken together, these approaches may stimulate the generation of new advances in organization theory.
    LanguageEnglish
    Publication statusUnpublished - Aug 2009
    EventAcademy of Management - Chicago, USA
    Duration: 10 Aug 2009 → 12 Aug 2009

    Conference

    ConferenceAcademy of Management
    CityChicago, USA
    Period10/08/09 → 12/08/09

    Fingerprint

    Rhetoric
    Closure
    Isolation
    Theory building
    Organization theory
    Interpretive
    Communities of practice
    Boundary crossing

    Keywords

    • organizational studies
    • management communications

    Cite this

    Hibbert, P., Sillince, J. A. A., & Diefenbach, T. (2009). Why new theories of organization are unlikely and what to do about it. Paper presented at Academy of Management, Chicago, USA, .
    Hibbert, P. ; Sillince, J.A.A. ; Diefenbach, T. / Why new theories of organization are unlikely and what to do about it. Paper presented at Academy of Management, Chicago, USA, .
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    author = "P. Hibbert and J.A.A. Sillince and T. Diefenbach",
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    Hibbert, P, Sillince, JAA & Diefenbach, T 2009, 'Why new theories of organization are unlikely and what to do about it' Paper presented at Academy of Management, Chicago, USA, 10/08/09 - 12/08/09, .

    Why new theories of organization are unlikely and what to do about it. / Hibbert, P.; Sillince, J.A.A.; Diefenbach, T.

    2009. Paper presented at Academy of Management, Chicago, USA, .

    Research output: Contribution to conference › Paper

    TY - CONF

    T1 - Why new theories of organization are unlikely and what to do about it

    AU - Hibbert, P.

    AU - Sillince, J.A.A.

    AU - Diefenbach, T.

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    Y1 - 2009/8

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    AB - In this paper, we build an approach to the development of new theory that overcomes a number of related and mutually reinforcing problems that collectively suppress generative debate. The problems we are concerned with are intellectual isolation, misleading and self-deceptive rhetoric and ideological closure, all of which arguably hinder the development of novel theory. These problems are exacerbated by their cumulative nature; that is, isolated theory-building communities of practice inevitably become constrained by their rhetorical practices, which in turn results in ideological closure. We offer three connected strategies to address these issues. First, to address intellectual isolation, we suggest a relational, boundary crossing strategy. Second, to avoid being misled by rhetoric, we suggest an interpretive empiricist approach to the development of theory from data. Third, to address ideological closure, we suggest a radically reflexive approach. Taken together, these approaches may stimulate the generation of new advances in organization theory.

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    KW - management communications

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    M3 - Paper

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    Hibbert P, Sillince JAA, Diefenbach T. Why new theories of organization are unlikely and what to do about it. 2009. Paper presented at Academy of Management, Chicago, USA, .

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