Journal of Management Inquiry current issue

Editor's Introduction

Phillips, N., Washington, M. — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:14:27 PDT

Management, Prophets, and Self-Fulfilling Prophecies

Dyck, B., Starke, F. A., Dueck, C. — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:14:27 PDT

This article responds to the increasing calls in the literature for "new prophets and old ideals" on which to develop (Radical) management theory and practice that will help us escape the "iron cage" and the undue emphasis on materialism and individualism that characterizes conventional management. The authors examine teachings ascribed to Jesus in the biblical record, which have historically been used to support conventional management theory and practice, and show how they can be (re)interpreted from a less materialist—individualist moral point-of-view to support a radical view of management theory and practice. Implications for management theory and practice are noted.

Editor's Introduction

Jones, C. — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:14:27 PDT

Heading Toward a Society of Networks: Empirical Developments and Theoretical Challenges

Raab, J., Kenis, P. — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:14:27 PDT

In the essay, it is first argued that Western societies are moving towards a society of networks, i.e. a society, in which the formal, vertically integrated organization that has dominated the 20th century is replaced or at least complemented by consciously created and goal directed networks of three and more organizations (whole networks). To substantiate this proposition we describe and analyze the development of organizational forms and the subsequent scientific efforts to grasp these developments theoretically and methodologically in the last 200-300 years. Second, the current state of network theory is briefly evaluated with regard to whole networks. In a third part, future research avenues concerning the development of theories that explain the coming into being, functioning, structure, governance and dissolution of whole networks (network theories) are discussed.

Toward a Network Society: Some Reflections on Dark Sides--Figurative and Literal

Ring, P. S., De Leo, F. — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:14:27 PDT

Part I of the article offers "traditional" academic comment on what Raab and Kenis (2009) do say in their article about the topics they address. Then, in ways that radically depart from the normal academic discourse in such cases, Part II discusses some things that they do not "say" but which need to start to become an integral part of "regular" academic discourse on these kinds of topics by focusing on the "dark" sides of a society of networks—dark, figuratively, and dark, literally.

Editor's Introduction

Jamieson, D. W. — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:14:27 PDT

Dynamics of Multiple Memories: Reflections From an Inquiry

Vakkayil, J. D. — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:14:27 PDT

In this article, the author reflects on how a study on "organizational memory" in the context of software development firms in India brought forth a number of issues associated with choices in research. He proposes the conceptualization of organizational memory in heterogeneous, multiple kinds of ways, emphasizing its plurality and explores how this can be done along varied dimensions. He also demonstrates how these findings in turn influenced the ensuing doctoral work, including the framework chosen and the methodology adopted.

Editor's Introduction

Maitlis, S. — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:14:27 PDT

Work--Life Balance?: An Autoethnographic Exploration of Everyday Home--Work Dynamics

Cohen, L., Duberley, J., Musson, G. — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:14:27 PDT

Based on data generated in autoethnographic conversations among the three authors, in this article the authors critique the prevailing metaphor of work—life balance. They offer instead a conceptualization of the relationship between work and nonwork aspects of life that is more dynamic and less reductionist and in which emotions, as well as issues of autonomy, control, and identity, are integral features. These conversations elucidate home and work realms not as reified entities but rather as elastic constructions reinforced and also at times changed and redrawn in the course of the authors' interaction.

Editor's Introduction

Kieser, A. — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:14:27 PDT

As If it Were Relevant: A Systems Theoretical Perspective on the Relation Between Science and Practice

Rasche, A., Behnam, M. — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:14:27 PDT

This article discusses the concept of research relevance from a systems theoretical perspective. Based on the claim that many scholars still think of relevance as something that can be achieved and enhanced by choosing the "right" measures (e.g., "user-friendly" writing style), the authors argue that such a perspective obscures the self-referential status of "science" and "practice" as social systems in society. Our systems theoretical discussion, which is based on the work of German sociologist Niklas Luhmann, shows that, strictly speaking, science cannot produce relevant knowledge prior to application. Instead, practice has to make scientific knowledge relevant by incorporating it into the specific logic of its system. We argue that such an integration of knowledge is only possible by first acting as if the offered knowledge were relevant and to then modify and extend it according to the idiosyncrasies of the system. We characterize these as-if assumptions as fictions and show their significance for rethinking the concept of relevance.

Editor's Introduction

Gioia, D. — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:14:27 PDT

Academic Music Making in Vienna: A Commentary on Professional Meetings

Altman, Y. — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:14:27 PDT

Out of Whack

Vance, C. M. — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 16:14:27 PDT