Release | Social systems theory and family business: A perspective article

Abstract: This perspective article highlights the significance of systems-theoretical approaches within family business research. Extant systems-theoretical literature in the field of family business research is reviewed to outline potential research gaps and avenues. The article highlights the fundamental differences between organisational decision communication and intimate family communication. At the same time, it shows that both […]

Preprint | What is in organisation? Contents of a self-contained container

The preprint of my manuscript “What is in organisation? Contents of a self-contained container” is available for download on Qeios or here on the present site. Recommended citation: Roth S. (2024). What Is in Organisation? Contents of a Self-Contained Container, Qeios, DOI: 10.32388/I9IMHM.

Online Brainstorming | Guiding distinctions of social science

What dichotomies, dualisms, and distinctions have shaped our fields? Launched by the Next Society Institute, the International Social Theory Consortium, and the Luhmann Conference community, this brainstorming is supported by the European Sociological Association and linked to two dedicated special issues: There is also a related call for abstracts to the Luhmann Conference 2024 in […]

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 […]

CFA | Special Issue | Guiding distinctions of social theory. Analogue guidelines or digital transformers?

Call for abstracts and papers Special issue of Current Sociology (Current Sociology Monograph series) Guiding distinctions of social theory. Analogue guidelines or digital transformers? Proponents Click here to download this CFA as PDF. Theme The concept of “guiding distinctions” refers to distinctions – such as economy/society, bourgeoisie/proletariat, community/society, nature/culture, system/environment, structure/agency, north/south, black/white, male/female, or, most recently, analogue/digital […]

CFP | Special Issue | Guiding distinctions of management and organisation research

Call for PapersGuiding distinctions of management and organisation research Guest Editors Steffen Roth1,2, Lars Clausen3,2*, Margit Neisig4,2, Augusto Sales5,2 1Excelia Business School La Rochelle, France, 2Kazimieras Simonavičius University, Lithuania3UCL University College, Denmark4Roskilde University, Denmark5Brazilian School of Public and Business Administration, Brazil *Corresponding co-guest editor Click here to download this CFP as PDF. Luhmann Conference 2024 & […]

CFP | Luhmann Conference 2024 | Guiding distinctions. Observed with social systems theory

Call for papers to the Luhmann Conference 2024 Topic: Guiding distinctions. Observed with social systems theory Venue: Inter-University Centre (IUC), Dubrovnik, CroatiaAddress: Don Frana Bulicá 4, 20000 Dubrovnik, Croatia Submission deadline (abstracts): 15 June 2024 Conference dates: 10-13 September 2024Pre-conference dinner: 09 September 2024Early Career Program: 09 September 2024 To download this Call for Papers, please click here. […]

Release | Theory of the third: A cybernetic approach to escalative conflict dynamics in business families

Abstract: This conceptual paper explores the surprising impact exerted by third elements on the escalation and de-escalation of conflicts in business families. To this end, we draw on core concepts of Batesonian cybernetic theory to perform a reconceptualisation of pertinent literature on changing conflict dynamics gath- ered in family business research and consultancy. Based on […]

Release | What makes a difference? Symmetry as a sociological concept

Abstract: This article discusses symmetry as an analytical tool for sociological analysis. Sym- metry is presented as a property of social formations and a way to generate informa- tion about them through their mutual comparisons. The concept thus displaces the old dichotomy between individual and society. The latter forces to think in terms of wholes […]