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On the multi-modality, materially and contingency of organization discourse
journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 05:06 authored by Iedema, RThis essay considers the ways that organizational discourse studies have deployed the concept 'discourse'. A review of the literature reveals conceptual ambiguities in the definition of 'discourse', as well as pre-analytical distinctions that are imposed between discourse, action and text, and between discourse, beliefs and material practices. The paper suggests that such a priori analytical categories risk tying the researcher to an inflexible research agenda, ruling out engaging with organizational specifics and emergent aspects of practice. The essay argues for an alternative view of discourse that centres on the following three arguments: discourse is not limited to language but also includes image, design, technology and other modes of meaning making; discourse and materiality co-emerge; and discourse manifests a specific, historically situated form of life.
History
Publication title
Organization StudiesVolume
28Issue
6Pagination
931-946ISSN
0170-8406Department/School
School of NursingPublisher
Sage Publications LtdPlace of publication
6 Bonhill Street, London, England, Ec2A 4PuRepository Status
- Restricted