Critically analyzes contributions made by Anthony Giddens's structuration to organizational research & explores possible future developments of this path in the organizational field. Theoretical needs & concerns shared by the Giddensian organizational researchers, even in a highly heterogeneous scenario, are identified, arguing an alternative to subjectivist & objectivist approaches is the main concern. While the very general features of such a "third" epistemological view are clear, the specific theoretical concepts are far from being shared & recognized; further, it is still not clear how structuration theory can be used to fulfill such needs. More specific & basic concepts for an organization theory consistent with a third epistemological view are considered: (1) a concept of human & organizational rationality different from those implied in subjectivist & objectivist views; (2) a processual view of organization & organizational action; (3) focus on the concepts of "rule" & "regulation"; (4) a definition of "structuration" consistent with the above; (5) a Weberian explanatory framework, based on judgments of objective possibility & the distinction between adequate causation & accidental causation. Such a major task could greatly benefit not only from adapting Giddens's structuration theory or other sociological theories, but also -- & more importantly -- from reinterpreting some classic contributions in the organizational discipline itself, & from developing exchanges between the US & European literatures. These issues are discussed in the context of a review of the main organizational works based on Giddens's structuration theory, a critical comparison between the theory's original stipulation & its different interpretations provided by organization researchers, & a critical comparison with other social action theory that could be useful for organizational analysis.
The relevance of Giddens’ structuration theory for organizational research
ALBANO, Roberto;
1998-01-01
Abstract
Critically analyzes contributions made by Anthony Giddens's structuration to organizational research & explores possible future developments of this path in the organizational field. Theoretical needs & concerns shared by the Giddensian organizational researchers, even in a highly heterogeneous scenario, are identified, arguing an alternative to subjectivist & objectivist approaches is the main concern. While the very general features of such a "third" epistemological view are clear, the specific theoretical concepts are far from being shared & recognized; further, it is still not clear how structuration theory can be used to fulfill such needs. More specific & basic concepts for an organization theory consistent with a third epistemological view are considered: (1) a concept of human & organizational rationality different from those implied in subjectivist & objectivist views; (2) a processual view of organization & organizational action; (3) focus on the concepts of "rule" & "regulation"; (4) a definition of "structuration" consistent with the above; (5) a Weberian explanatory framework, based on judgments of objective possibility & the distinction between adequate causation & accidental causation. Such a major task could greatly benefit not only from adapting Giddens's structuration theory or other sociological theories, but also -- & more importantly -- from reinterpreting some classic contributions in the organizational discipline itself, & from developing exchanges between the US & European literatures. These issues are discussed in the context of a review of the main organizational works based on Giddens's structuration theory, a critical comparison between the theory's original stipulation & its different interpretations provided by organization researchers, & a critical comparison with other social action theory that could be useful for organizational analysis.
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