Maria Humphries

Critical evaluation of appreciative inquiry. Bridging an apparent paradox

Despite increased applications and scholarship, appreciative inquiry remains a research method with little self-reflection or critique to evaluate the process as an action research method. Perhaps counter-intuitively, we propose that critical theory provides one useful lens through which to develop an appreciative evaluation of the process. We begin this article with a brief introduction to appreciative inquiry (Ai) as it is presented in the literature. Calls for evaluation of the process are acknowledged, as are the few evaluations/critiques of Ai we have found in literature. We discuss how critical theory may be applied to an evaluation of appreciative inquiry bridging an apparent paradox between the negativity associated with the former and the positive focus of the latter. An initial application of Critical Appreciative Process (CAP) is described to illustrate how the integrated use of appreciative inquiry and critical theory deepens insight and recognition of the complexity in human endeavours.

Maintaining the empire: Maori women's experiences in the accountancy profession

This paper is concerned to articulate the experiences of Maori women in the accountancy profession of Aotearoa/New Zealand. It seeks to give Maori women accountants a ‘voice’, listen to their ‘stories’ and to offer some insights into the continuing impact of Aotearoa/New Zealand’s imperialist history in shaping their experiences. In doing so, our study contributes to an understanding of how the processes of colonisation within the context of the accountancy profession continue to impact on these women’s lives in particular, and Maori culture in general. We contend that the accountancy profession and its organisations need to acknowledge and begin to listen to Maori women’s experiences in order to address their concerns by working with Maori women. We also suggest that unless effective policies and strategies are developed to address the needs of Maori women, the similar needs of Maori clients might also not be met.

Equal employment opportunity and the management of diversity

Persistent patterns of employment segregation have long been challenged through what is here called “the discourse of equity”. Associated equity legislation and equal employment policies have not succeeded in changing these patterns. “The management of diversity”, a newly‐developing discourse, is claimed by its proponents to encapsulate traditional equity issues in a more managerially compelling format. Additionally, through this new discourse, progressively addresses issues associated with managing diverse people in a global context. Argues that, in the context of globalizing capitalism, a new homogeneity with different patterns of exclusion is being achieved. The pragmatic focus on “the management of diversity” may diffuse the emancipatory imperative implicit in “the discourse of equity”. Urges an examination of the extent to which traditional equity concerns have been co‐opted to divert attention from new forms of systemic employment segregation.

Critical management studies in postmodernity: oxymorons in outer space?

Critical Management Studies (CMS) in Postmodernity (PM) has been playfully posed as a double oxymoron, i.e. “CMS” to examine the contradiction of an emancipatory discourse predominantly cast in a managerialist tenor; “CMS in PM” to examine the feasibility of taking any position at all in the context postmodern theorizing. Using playful references to Darth Vader’s pursuit of Luke Skywalker in Star Wars, proceeds with a deconstruction of the critical theorists’ pursuit of metatheories to explain (true) oppressions to be addressed in the liberation of victims. Teases the postmodernist magical elimination of victims in their discourse of difference. Sadly though, the elimination of “victims” in theorizing does not mean racism, sexism, and economic oppression are no longer experienced by human beings. Takes a light‐hearted but serious approach in regaining the emancipatory potential of Critical Management Studies to inform organizational change.

Flexibility on whose terms

Purpose – As part of an ongoing project on worker well‐being, this paper aims to examine the application of flexible work arrangements through the experiences of core workers in a small, European‐owned, New Zealand manufacturing firm.Design/methodology/approach – A participatory action research approach is taken.Findings – The research reveals that flexible employment arrangements utilised in this firm did not afford protection to core workers as theory suggests. Both core and peripheral workers were exposed to pressure primarily to extend their hours of work and to reduce their expectations regarding remuneration. Production level increases were not reflected in increases in numbers of core workers; in fact perceived job security was low. Core workers felt pressure to work extended hours out of their commitment to the firm, each other, and to maintain their own employment.Practical implications – The use of more democratic processes inherent in action research oriented at workplace well‐being are shown t...

Technological innovation and the development of managerial competencies

Abstract The rapid pace of technological change over the last decade has made a substantial impact on individuals, organizations and society as a whole. In particular, the management of organizations has been transformed by the availability of powerful, yet practical and convenient, micro-computers. Frequently, however, the non-technical ramifications of implementing new technologies have been overlooked or underestimated. In contrast, the socio-technical systems perspective incorporates technology, structure and social dynamics as interdependent components of any organization. Consideration of interrelationships between these elements is essential for successful implementation of technological change. In particular, human resource management will be critical for the integration of technology with other facets of future organizational systems. This paper examines some of the human resource issues which will be critical for tomorrows managers and discusses research findings from a study of the development of managerial skills. Management training must focus more attention on both formal and informal learning experiences, while organizations need to expend more energy creating cultures and climates which promote learning and skill acquisition.

Changing the Nature and Conditions of Employment: Stimulating Critical Reflection.

Building on the liberatory aspirations for management education promoted by Boyce, the authors have devised a classroom exercise to illustrate our unconscious participation in the reorganization of employment. The exercise is designed to interest students in critical theory as an approach to learning that encourages asking challenging questions of our organizations and of ourselves. It may be used as a precursor to wider discussions about what responsibilities we each have for the well-being of other human beings and how various life circumstances influence our decisions and our emotions.

Normalising workplace change through contemporary career discourse

Abstract Embedded in the discourses of globalisation and flexibility is the argument that new political and economic relationships need transforming to generate flow-on benefits to wider society. Yet, resulting changes to employment and welfare provision in the last two decades have led to disparate outcomes globally. In this context, contemporary career discourse invites us to take responsibility for personal wellbeing and offers practical steps to achieve this. In light of the wider context, such discourse may be viewed as techniques to discipline wider society to accept uncritically political and economic changes as natural and inevitable.

Indigenous wisdom and the PRME: inclusion or illusion?

Purpose – The Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME) are a United Nations led initiative that includes a mandate to engage with voices generally marginalized in business classrooms. The voices of Indigenous peoples are among such marginalized voices. Inclusion of indigenous worldviews offer opportunities to enhance the capacity of the PRME to contribute to more just and sustainable management and development of humanity. The paper aims to discuss these issues. Design/methodology/approach – PRME Principle One inspires opportunities to integrate the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (DRIP) and through this confluence, contribute to manifesting the espoused aspirations of the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) – i.e. the transformation of poverty and environmental degradation toward universal human and environmental thriving. Findings – Greater attention to relational ethics through critical pedagogy encourages reflection on the paradoxes of the market logic that...

Transformative learning in troubling times: investing in hope

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to disenchant advocates of sustainability of the current form of capitalism and to argue that under current intensification of globalisation of economic and political efforts, “privilege” and “alienation” might be relocated/rearranged/redistributed but that the basic dynamic will remain constant. The very poor and vulnerable appear to be treated as collateral damage by capitalist practices reified as “The Market” and which we have personified as “The Master”.Design/methodology/approach – The authors draw on the metaphor of subaltern studies to amplify their call for further discussion. Portraying the economic system as The (ruthless) Master invites further conversation about complicity or subjugation and invites reflection on alternatives to associated agency.Findings – The Masters powers are amplifying globally. He continues to demand sacrifices. The most recent demand comes in the call for the protection of his economy at the expense of those to be most affected b...