Understanding Organizations (Business and Sociology)

Understanding Organizations Many regard David Boje (2004 ) as the leading postmodern thinker in management theory . His book on Narrative Methods for Organizational Communication Research underscores the method of storytelling as against the organizational theory of modern times . His concepts present the concept of narrative that contests the usual approaches often used in organizations today (Boje 2004 . However , at present , most organizations are best approached as actor-networks . The Actor-network theory (ANT ) was conceived by Bruno Latour , Michel Callon and John Law . This is unique because it not only comprises people but also

objects and organizations . As a whole , these elements are called actors or actants . What distinguishes this from the other kinds of theory is the concept of being heterogenous . This means , it is a network that may contain dissimilar , unconnected parts but with ANT , is treated as inseparable because it includes all elements that will make is successful over the long haul (Theories Used In IS Research Actor-Network Theory . The work of identifying these essential elements lies on the researcher . It means that these elements are equally important to a social network . Thus , insignificant as it may seem , the cashier or a software system is as important in the overall success of an organization as the men and women who make use of it (Theories Used In IS Research . Actor-Network Theory

Communication is a very important skill used in relating with people especially in organizations . This determines how well one can be a good leader or a functional team member . It is in this light that organizations are best seen as actor-networks composed of driven men and women . In fact , these actors differ in the way they communicate , thus giving a different and unique way of interactions between members Deborah Tannen 's Men and Women Talking on the Job maintains that men use conversational rituals that are interpreted literally and thus seen to be hostile at times , when they are not . On the other hand , women employ conversational skills that are designed to avoid appearing boastful and taking the other person 's feelings into consideration , yet in the long run are interpreted to be less competent and confident than they really are (Tannen , 1994

Tannen elucidates three points in the material

a ) Negotiating from the Inside Out or the Outside in - This just simply means that the parties in a communication or negotiating encounter must be able to come up with a decision that matches their styles or else they will end up confused and worst , as enemies . The author states that people must begin by saying what one will do

b . Individual styles of communication matters less than how they are played in concert with the other 's style . According to the example given by the author , if Harold 's threat to quit was heard by another one who had a different set of communication style , then , that threat would have been simple set aside and taken lightly . Thus , the result would have gone the other way

c ) Confidence...