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 pertinence […]

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 […]

Lexikonbeitrag | Funktionssystem

Roth S. (in press) Funktionssystem. In: Wirth J. and Kleve H. (Hrsg.) Lexikon des systemischen Arbeitens. Heidelberg: Carl Auer Verlag. Leseprobe: engl. function system oder functional system, franz. système fonctionnel m. → Funktionssysteme sind soziale → Systeme, die sich selbst erhalten und ausdifferenzieren (→ Autopoiesis), indem sie die Anschlussfähigkeit von → Kommunikation in einem bestimmten Erfolgsmedium […]

Release | Digital transformation of management and organization theories

Roth S. (2022), Digital transformation of management and organization theories. A research programme, Systems Research and Behavioral Science, early view, DOI: 10.1002/SRES.2882 [SSCI 1.750, Scopus, CABS**]. Abstract: This article draws on the groundwork by George Spencer Brown and Niklas Luhmann to outline a general framework for the digital transformation of management and organization theory. It […]

CFP | EURAM 2022 in Winterthur | T14_06 Management History, Theory, and Philosophy

We invite you to submit your research to our track at the 22nd European Academy of Management Conference 2022! Date: 15-17 June 2022 Venue: ZHAW School of Management and Law, Winterthur, Switzerland. Track: T14_06 Management History, Theory, and Philosophy Proponents: Short description: The “Management History, Theory, and Philosophy” addresses historical and philosophical foundations and challenges […]