Release | Draw your organization! A solution-focused theory-method for business school challenges and change

Abstract: This article presents a solution-focused approach to current problems and criticisms faced by business schools. In order to facilitate the required shift from problems to solutions, I outline a theory-method and demonstrate how it has informed my teaching at FT-ranked business schools and other institutions of higher education in two subjects and on three continents. I […]

Preview | Chester Barnard’s systems-theoretic approach to organization theory: a reconstruction

Abstract: Chester Barnard’s organisation theory is widely acknowledged to be grounded on a systems-theoretic approach which has however remained largely inchoate. The present paper ventures a hypothetical reconstruction of this approach by identifying the salient parallels between Barnard’s thought and Niklas Luhmann’s theory of social systems as well as Alfred North Whitehead’s philosophy of organism. […]

CFP | The Great Reset of management and organization theory

Call for papers to a special issue of the Scandinavian Journal of Management [SSCI 1.891, Scopus, CNRS**, CABS**, VHB***] on The Great Reset of management and organization theory Proponents Steffen Roth, Full Professor of Management, La Rochelle Business School, France, and Adjunct Professor of Economic Sociology, University of Turku, Finland [corresponding proponent]. Wojciech Czakon, Full Professor of Strategic […]

CFP | EURAM 2021 | Track 14-02 Management history, theory, and philosophy

Call for papers to the SIG 14 track T14-02 “Management History, Theory, and Philosophy” at the EURAM 2021 Conference in Montréal Track description: The Management History, Theory, and Philosophy track addresses historical and philosophical foundations and challenges of management and organisation theory and practice. Knowledge of these foundations and challenges is vital for developing creative management solutions […]

Release | Lockdown: Das Anhalten der Welt: Debatte zur Domestizierung von Wirtschaft, Politik und Gesundheit

Kleve H., Roth S. und Simon F.B. (2020), Lockdown: Das Anhalten der Welt. Eine Debatte zur Domestizierung von Wirtschaft, Politik und Gesundheit. Heidelberg, Carl Auer. Kladdentext: Diesem richtungweisenden Buch prophezeit Bernhard Pörksen eine „theoriegeschichtliche Brisanz“. „Hier wird tatsächlich diskutiert, hart in der Sache gerungen, polemisiert und dann wieder mit einer Leichtigkeit und einer stilistischen Eleganz […]

CFA | PHD Course (3 ECTS) | Values and decision-making. Social Theories and Methods for Research in sustainable organisations

Call for applications to the PHD course (3 ECTS) on “Values and decision-making. Social Theories and Methods for Research in Sustainable Organizations” Venue: Inter-University Center Dubrovnik, Croatia Dates: 10-13 September 2021 Course directors: Assist.-Prof. Dr. Kresimir Zazar, University of Zagreb, Croatia Prof. Dr. Dr. habil. Steffen Roth, La Rochelle Business School, France, and University of […]

Release | Social goals in the theory of the firm: a systems theory view

Abstract: Drawing on Luhmannian social systems theory, this article revisits the single- versus multiple-objective debate on the theory of the firm. Firms are conceptualized as complexity-reducing systems structurally coupled with potentially risky environments, and profit-maximization is considered as a complexity reduction strategy for making sense of these environments. Whereas single-objective approaches reflect cases when environmental […]

Release | East of nature. Accounting for the environments of social sciences

Abstract: At the core of ecological economics is the image of the economy as an open system embedded in the natural environment whose carrying capacity is limited. The present paper revisits this image by drawing upon Niklas Luhmann’s social systems theory. To Luhmann, the modern society consists of a multitude of social systems each bringing […]

Release | The tetralemma of the business family

Kleve H., Roth S., Köllner T., and Wetzel R. (in press), The tetralemma of the business family. A systemic approach to business-family dilemmas in research and practice, Journal of Organizational Change Management, Vol. 33 No. 2, pp. 433-446 [SSCI 1.185, Scopus, CNRS**, FNEGE**, CABS**]. The ahead-of-print version of this article is available for download here. […]