Epistemes and structures of sensemaking in organizational life

O'Leary, M. and Chia, R. (2007) Epistemes and structures of sensemaking in organizational life. Journal of Management Inquiry, 16(4), pp. 392-406. (doi: 10.1177/1056492607310976)

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Publisher's URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1056492607310976

Abstract

The issue of organizational sense-making has been much researched and written about in recent years. Yet, how structurally such sense-making attempts are facilitated remains relatively unexamined. In this article, the authors explore the underlying processes to be accomplished, sustained, and extended. `Episteme,' the underlying code of a culture or epoch that governs its language, its logic, its schemas of perception, its values and its techniques, etc., is what makes individual and collective meaning and sense-making possible. In this article, the authors identify three epistemes of organizational sense-making for legitimizing and justifying managerial actions and decision-making within the context of a family-owned newspaper called the Courier. This is done through a study of the justifying narratives employed in the collective sense-making process.

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Chia, Professor Robert
Authors: O'Leary, M., and Chia, R.
College/School:College of Social Sciences > Adam Smith Business School > Management
Journal Name:Journal of Management Inquiry
ISSN:1056-4926
ISSN (Online):1552-6542

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