Release | Multifunctional tetralemma. A systems-theoretical programme and its practical implications

Abstract: This general review introduces the concept of the multifunctional tetralemma as a systems-theoretical decision programme. It addresses how organisations can navigate dilemmas in functionally differentiated societies, where the same issue may appear simultaneously as good, bad, both, or neither depending on the function system through which it is observed. This paper situates the tetralemma within […]

Call | Proposals for Special Issues of Kybernetes

Call for Special Issue Proposals The editorial team at Kybernetes invites proposals for special issues from scholars and practitioners interested in topics related to cybernetics, systems thinking, and management science. Areas of interest include, but are not limited to: If you would like to propose a special issue, please contact Paul Kidd pkidd@emerald.com to request a proposal form. The […]

CFP | EURAM 2026 | T12.03 Management History, Theory, and Philosophy

Proponents Track description The ‘Management History, Theory, and Philosophy’ track addresses the historical and philosophical foundations and challenges of management and organization theory and practice, as well as the application and evolution of historical research methods. Knowledge of these foundations and challenges is vital for interpreting trends, developing creative management solutions to persistent organizational problems, […]

Release | JBE | Multifunctional Tetralemma. Framework for the Strategic Management of Moral Trade-offs

Abstract: The issue of moral trade-offs is widely discussed in the literatures on sustainable development and stakeholder theory. Sustainability efforts often require corporate managers to balance economic, social, and environmental concerns, which frequently translate into trade-offs between legitimate stakeholder interests. We investigate how the nature of these trade-offs is illuminated by Luhmannian systems theory, particularly […]

Talk | Can social theory run like code? @Wolfson College, University of Cambridge

I look forward to sharing my thoughts on how digitalisation reshapes social theory at Wolfson College, University of Cambridge. Title: Digital Transformation of Social Theory Date: 25/11/2025 Venue: Gatsby Room (Chancellor’s Centre), Wolfson College, Barton Road, Cambridge, United Kingdom & Teams Overview: This talk outlines a programme to build a universal social theory machine: a […]

CFP | IT&P | Coding society. Programmatic encounters between information systems and social theory

Special Issue of Information Technology & People (Emerald) on Coding society. Programmatic encounters between information systems and social theory Guest Editors: Steffen Roth, Excelia Business School, France; University of Cambridge, United Kingdom Tilia Stingl de Vasconcelos Guedes, Vienna University of Applied Sciences for Management and Communication, Austria; Next Society Institute, Kazimieras Simonavičius University, Lithuania Kresimir Zazar, […]

CFP | JOCM | Reprogramming. Observed with social systems theory

Special Issue of the Journal of Organizational Change Management (Emerald) on Reprogramming. Observed with social systems theory Guest Editors: Steffen Roth, Excelia Business School, France; University of Cambridge, United Kingdom Vladislav Valentinov, Leibniz Institute of Agricultural Development in Transition Economies, Halle, Germany; Next Society Institute, Kazimieras Simonavičius University, Lithuania Closing date for manuscripts submission: 20/01/2026 […]

CFP | MD | Programmes in management and organisation. Observed with social systems theory

Special Issue of Management Decision (Emerald) on Programmes in management and organisation. Observed with social systems theory Guest Editors: Steffen Roth, Excelia Business School, France; University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, roths@excelia-group.com Augusto Sales, Brazilian School of Public and Business Administration, Brazil; Yale University, United States of America, augusto.sales@fgv.br Closing date for manuscripts submission: 31/01/2026 The issue is inspired by and linked to […]

Announcement | Luhmann Conference 2025 Book of Abstracts

The Book of Abstracts for the Luhmann Conference 2025 at Wolfson College, University of Cambridge, is available for download here.

Prof Steffen Roth

Author: Dr. Steffen Roth