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 […]

Release | Value Plurality and Multifunctional Commensuration in Organisation: A Systems-Theoretical Approach

Abstract: This article aims to challenge the prevailing economic bias in studies of organised valuation and commensuration by exploring the broader plurality of values that organisations must manage. The article draws on social systems theory in the tradition of German sociologist Niklas Luhmann to conceptualise organisations as multifunctional systems of decisions that pertain to and […]

Release | Special Issue | Scientific communication. Observed with social systems theory

Special Luhmann Conference 2022 Issue of Systemic Practice and Action Research (Vol. 37 No. 3) on Scientific communication. Observed with social systems theory Edited by Steffen Roth, Kresimir Zazar, Lars Clausen, and Tilia Stingl de Vasconcelos Guedes Introduction Steffen Roth, Kresimir Zazar, Tilia Stingl de Vasconcelos Guedes, and Lars Clausen: Scientific communication observed with social […]

Release | Paradox and family business: A perspective article

Abstract: Purpose: This perspective article provides an overview of current research on paradoxes within family business settings and outlines emerging trends and potential avenues for future research in this field. Design/methodology/approach: This article is inspired by a systems-theoretical approach to business family paradoxes.Findings: The article suggests that increasing research interest in more-than and neither-nor approaches […]

Release | Within a mesh of expectations: Dealing with dilemmas in business families using systemic tools from family coaching

Abstract: Business family members face challenges related to exposure to diverse role expectations and systems logics, the management of which often results in sit- uations of high complexity, dilemmas, and paradoxes. To address these issues, in this paper we combine key insights from social systems theory with systemic family coaching tools such as “internal maps,” […]

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 | Approaching management and organization paradoxes paradoxically: The case for the tetralemma as an expansive encasement strategy

Roth S., Schneckenberg D., Valentinov V., and Kleve H. (2023), Approaching management and organization paradoxes paradoxically: The case for the tetralemma as an expansive encasement strategy, European Management Journal, Vol. 41, No. 2, pp. 191-198 [SSCI 6.110, Scopus, CNRS, FNEGE, CABS, VHB***]. Abstract: The field of paradox studies keeps struggling to put the notion of paradox […]

CFA | Doktorandenstipendium „Digital transformierte Theorie des Familienunternehmens und der Unternehmerfamilie“

Die Universität Witten/Herdecke ist die erste deutsche Universität in gemeinnütziger Trägerschaft (Gründungsjahr: 1982) mit mittlerweile mehr als 600 Beschäftigten und über 2.600 Studierenden. Das Wittener Institut für Familienunternehmen (WIFU) ist Teil der Fakultät für Wirtschaft und Gesellschaft und forscht an den Schnittstellen von Wirtschaft, Soziologie, Psychologie und Recht aus dem Blickwinkel von Unternehmen, die mehrheitlich […]

Release | The tetralemma of the business family

Kleve H., Roth S., Köllner T., and Wetzel R. (2020), 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. Abstract: This […]

Prof Steffen Roth

Tetralemma