Andrew J. Grimes

Methodological frameworks for the geography of organizations

Abstract In this paper, we present three methodological frameworks for the geographic study of organizations. These are situated within three meta-theoretical perspectives in human geography: spatial science, critical realism, and post-structuralism. Each framework offers a different theorization of organizations, and each prompts different research questions that can be used to guide their geographic study. The research questions we offer are general, and are pertinent to all types of organizations. To supplement the methodological contributions of this paper, we suggest how each of these frameworks might inform empirical investigations of Appalshop, a media arts organization located in Whitesburg, Kentucky.

Cosmopolitan-Local: A Cross-Lagged Correlation Analysis of the Relationship Between Professional Role Orientations and Behaviors in an Academic Organization:

This paper examines the development of professional role orientations. The theoretical foundation of this study is Gouldners (1957, 1958) research of the cosmopolitan-local construct. The focus is on the relationship between the five dimensions of the cosmopolitan-local construct and professional behaviors. Examination of the relationship of professional role orientations and professional behaviors involves the use of cross-lagged correlations of the role-orientation scales with professional behavior variables using data collected in a university at two points in time. The results indicate that the relationships with significant values show professional behaviors influencing professional role orientations over time.

Critical Theory and Organizational Sciences: A Primer

Contrasts critical theory, a collection of writings which critique dominate ideology, with traditional organizational sciences by considering six questions which illustrate their differences. Critical theory (CT) incorporates both natural and hermeneutic sciences to critique dominate perspectives in organizational sciences. Offers recent examples of CT‐oriented literature to illustrate the differences.

Dramatism as method: the promise of praxis

“Praxis” is the stated goal of Radical Humanist scholarship. But, this has been a goal without realization, and without method. To our knowledge there is no record of the realization of this goal in a management context. This paper reports our effort to develop a method to achieve praxis – “dramatism” as suggested by the work of Kenneth Burke, our “field test” of dramatism in a business setting, and the extent of our “success.” Our partial success points to refinements in the method, as it applies to Critical Theory agenda. We conclude by re‐examining our understanding of praxis, questioning our purposes, and discussing the power of the method to affect the researchers.

Normal Accidents: Living with High Risk Technologies

The article presents a review of the book “Normal Accidents: Living With High Risk Technologies,” by Charles Perrow.

Taylored Lives: Narrative Productions in the Age of Taylor, Veblen, and Ford

The article reviews the book “Taylored Lives: Narrative Productions in the Age of Taylor, Veblen, and Ford,” by Martha Banta.