On the Language of Organization Theory

1 October 1989

journal article
research article
Published by SAGE Publications in Organization Studies

Vol. 10 (4) , 457-477
https://doi.org/10.1177/017084068901000401

Abstract

Theories of organization rely upon verbs such as shape, determine, select, and choose. Although these verbs appear to depict processes of organization, instead they obscure organization processes behind empty and misbegotten abstractions. These verbs are shown to have the character of achievements; their grammatical form encompasses the very outcomes they purport to explain. The reasons why such verbs exist and are used so prevalently are explored and implications for revising the language of organization theory are considered.

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