Release | Special Issue | The Great Reset of management and organization theory

Virtual Special Issue of the Scandinavian Journal of Management on The Great Reset of management and organization theory Edited by Steffen Roth, Wojciech Czakon, Wolfgang Amann, and Léo-Paul Dana The World Economic Forum (WEF) has recently launched its Great Reset initiative. Borrowed from an eponymous book (Florida, 2010) written in the aftermath of the global […]

Release | Deparadoxification and value focus in sharing ventures: concealing paradoxes in strategic decision-making

Abstract: This study investigates how sharing ventures address the paradox of doing good versus doing harm in their strategic decision-making. The doing good versus doing harm paradox refers to the difficulty of sharing ventures to balance the aim to benefit society and the environment while minimizing potential adverse effects. Understanding and addressing this paradox is […]

Release | From organised scepticism to research mission management? Introduction to the Great Reset of management and organization theory

Introduction to the Virtual Special Issue of the Scandinavian Journal of Management on The Great Reset of management and Organization Theory. Abstract: This introduces the reader to the Great Reset of management and organization theory. Concepts are discussed and six cases are presented, provoking thought, debate, and dialogue for or against a Great Reset of […]

Release | Truth tables, true distinctions. Paradoxes of the source code of science

Abstract: On the occasion of a growing popularity of paradox theory in management and organisation research, this article provides an introduction to the paradox of true distinctions, reports on its relevance to theory building, and presents a strategy to contain the paradox without resolving it. To this end, I draw on works by George Spencer […]

Release | Fit for functional differentiation: new directions for personnel management and organizational change bridging the fit theory and social systems theory

Abstract: This conceptual paper seeks to bridge two existing theories in a bid to broaden our analytical scope when studying the process of onboarding, retention and exclusion of organizational members. The purpose of this paper is to address this issue. The authors draw on the social systems theory to advance the fit theory demonstrating the […]

Release | Toward a theory of multifunctional liberalism: Systems-theoretical reflections on the nature of statehood

Abstract: As neoliberalism is sinking into disrepute, states are responding to current crises by inroads on basic rights. This constellation adds urgency to the timeworn subject of statehood and its relationship to law and liberty. The paper addresses this subject by enhancing the neoliberal concept of an encased economy with James Coleman’s concept of law as […]

Membership | Editorial Board of Sociology (SAGE)

I am very pleased to announce that I shall have the honour of joining the Editorial Board of the British Sociological Association flagship journal Sociology as of January 2023.

CFP | Luhmann Conference 2023 | Environments. Observed with social systems theory

Call for papers to the Luhmann Conference 2023 on “Environments. Observed with social systems theory” Venue: Inter-University Centre (IUC), Dubrovnik, Croatia Address: Don Frana Bulicá 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia Dates: 12-15 September 2023 Pre-conference dinner: 11 September 2023 Theme Commonly associated with nature or ecology, the concept of environment is foundational to social systems theory. A “system is the […]

Release | Health beyond medicine. A planetary theory extension

Abstract: In Niklas Luhmann’s vision of the modern functionally differentiated society, health presents one of the essential function systems, along with politics, law, economy, or science. While he devoted much effort to elaborating the theoretical foundations of the latter function systems, his work on the health system was relatively sparse. This research gap has been […]

Prof Steffen Roth

Author: Dr. Steffen Roth