O presente estudo tem como objetivo analisar as abordagens interpretativa e processual dos Estudos Organizacionais, expressas nas obras de seus principais autores – Karl Weick e Robert Cooper, discutindo sua relação com a filosofia do processo de Henri Bergson. Esta análise é executada no intuito de que, em se verificando uma aproximação entre estas abordagens e a filosofia bergsoniana – seus conceitos pilares e o método intuitivo – seja possível vislumbrar uma teoria do conhecimento em base processual, uma “epistemologia do processo”. A motivação para realização deste estudo deu-se por duas principais razões. A primeira é decorrente do meu próprio estranhamento e interesse, seguido de questionamentos que me levaram ao aprofundamento nas propostas destas abordagens e nas leituras dos seus principais autores. A segunda é que, em executando esta aproximação com a filosofia de Bergson e vislumbrando uma teoria do conhecimento em base processual, a negligência com que estas abordagens são tratadas dentro da área dos Estudos Organizacionais dominantes (mainstream) seja diminuída. A referência utilizada para a execução do trabalho dirigiu-se, em função da sua própria natureza, para a hermenêutica – mais especificamente para a hermenêutica filosófica de Hans-Georg Gadamer, que permite uma interpretação geradora de conhecimento político-moral engajado e preocupado. Por fim, o trabalho apresenta as considerações e os resultados da análise das abordagens processuais à luz da filosofia de Bergson, verificando que, embora estas abordagens entendam a realidade como processual, elas carecem de alinhamento ontológico e epistemológico com a filosofia do processo bergsoniana. Entretanto, ao entender e compreender a realidade sob a ótica do processo, denotando uma axiologia processual, ambas as abordagens abrem possibilidades interessantes para o reposicionamento das Teorias Organizacionais. Estas possibilidades permitirão discutir a falácia da centralidade, armadilha positiva e funcional que os Estudos Organizacionais são tentados a assumir quando entendem o processo e o movimento não como algo natural e constante, mas como exceção e hiato. / This study aims to analyze the processual and interpretative approach of Organisational Studies, expressed in the writings of its main authors - Karl Weick and Robert Cooper, discussing its relationship to the process philosophy of Henri Bergson. This analysis is performed in order that, in noting a connection between these approaches and Bergson’s philosophy - his core concepts and the intuitive method - it is possible to envision a theory of knowledge on a processual basis, an "epistemology of the process." The motivation for this study had two main reasons. The first is due to my own amazement, followed by questions that led me to go deeper on the proposals of these approaches and readings of its main authors. The second is that in executing this approach with the philosophy of Bergson, and overlooking a theory of knowledge on a processual basis, the neglect that these approaches are treated within the area of Organisational Studies (mainstream) could be decreased. The reference used for the execution of the study was, on according to its own nature, the hermeneutics – specifically the hermeneutical philosophy of Hans-Georg Gadamer, which allows the generation of a moral-political knowledge, engaged and positioned (Schwandt , 2003). Finally, the study presents the findings of the analysis of the processual approach to the philosophy of Bergson, noting that although these approaches understand reality as process, they lack ontological and epistemological alignment with the process philosophy of Bergson. However, in understanding and comprehending the reality from a process perspective, denoting an axiology of process, both approaches open up exciting and interesting possibilities for the repositioning of Organisational Theories. These possibilities will discuss the fallacy of centrality, the positive and functional trap that Organisational Studies are tempted to fall when understanding the process and the movement as something not natural and not constant, but as exception and hiatus.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The thesis considers the work of Elliot Jaques through the most recent interpretivist views of organizations and management. As it stands, Jaques does not form part of mainstream management thinking. Jaques is primarily known in organization and management theory for Stratified Systems Theory through his book Requisite Organization. Although undoubtedly influential, his views are generally considered to be either outdated or highly contentious. This assessment is mostly based on his book Requisite Organization. However, Jaques’ work spans fifty years of research in management science and the thesis explores his entire body of work with a view to understanding the research that Requisite Organization is founded upon. It explains Jaques’ divergence from the current determinisms that dominate our current milieu and links his work in Levels of Abstraction in Logic and Human Action with Maturana and Varella’s concept of autopoiesis and Weick's theory of Organizational Sensemaking. It is shown how the roots of Requisite Organization seeks to address similar concerns to that of Organizational Sensemaking. In conclusion various aspects of Jaques work are mapped to aspects of Weick's work, which at first glance would have seemed incompatible. It is argued that, if considered as a whole, Jaques' theory resonates with much more modern understandings of organization and management theory than is widely assumed. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die tesis oorweeg die werk van Elliot Jaques deur die lens van die onlangste interpretatiewe sienings van organisasie en bestuursteorie. Op die oomblik vorm Jaques nie deel van die hoofstroom bestuursdenke nie. Hy is hoofsaaklik bekend vir Gestratifiseerde Sisteemteorie deur sy boek Requisite Organization. Alhoewel hierdie teorie baie invloedryk was, word dit meestal gesien as deel van bestuursgeskiedenis en wat eerder as kontroversieel as relevant beskou word. Hierdie oordeel is gewoonlik gebaseer op sy hoofwerk – Requisite Organization. Sy navorsing is egter op vyftig jaar in bestuurswetenskap gebaseer en die tesis bekyk sy totale bydrae in 'n poging om die navorsing waarop Requisite Organization gebaseer is te probeer verstaan. Dit verduidelik Jaques se afwyking van huidige determinismes wat ons huidige verstaan domineer en haak sy werk in Levels of Abstraction in Logic and Human Action met Maturana en Varella se konsep van autopoiesis en sy totale bydrae met Weick se teorie van Organisatoriese Singewing. Daar word aangedui hoedat die wortels van Requisite Organization dieselfde sake probeer aanspreek as Organisatoriese Singewing. Ten slotte word verskeie aspekte van Jaques se werk in verband gebring met aspekte van Weick se werk wat met die eerste oogopslag teenstrydig skyn te wees. Daar word geargumenteer dat, gesien as 'n geheel, Jaques se teorie baie meer modern voorkom as voorheen aanvaar is.

O presente estudo tem como objetivo analisar as abordagens interpretativa e processual dos Estudos Organizacionais, expressas nas obras de seus principais autores – Karl Weick e Robert Cooper, discutindo sua relação com a filosofia do processo de Henri Bergson. Esta análise é executada no intuito de que, em se verificando uma aproximação entre estas abordagens e a filosofia bergsoniana – seus conceitos pilares e o método intuitivo – seja possível vislumbrar uma teoria do conhecimento em base processual, uma “epistemologia do processo”. A motivação para realização deste estudo deu-se por duas principais razões. A primeira é decorrente do meu próprio estranhamento e interesse, seguido de questionamentos que me levaram ao aprofundamento nas propostas destas abordagens e nas leituras dos seus principais autores. A segunda é que, em executando esta aproximação com a filosofia de Bergson e vislumbrando uma teoria do conhecimento em base processual, a negligência com que estas abordagens são tratadas dentro da área dos Estudos Organizacionais dominantes (mainstream) seja diminuída. A referência utilizada para a execução do trabalho dirigiu-se, em função da sua própria natureza, para a hermenêutica – mais especificamente para a hermenêutica filosófica de Hans-Georg Gadamer, que permite uma interpretação geradora de conhecimento político-moral engajado e preocupado. Por fim, o trabalho apresenta as considerações e os resultados da análise das abordagens processuais à luz da filosofia de Bergson, verificando que, embora estas abordagens entendam a realidade como processual, elas carecem de alinhamento ontológico e epistemológico com a filosofia do processo bergsoniana. Entretanto, ao entender e compreender a realidade sob a ótica do processo, denotando uma axiologia processual, ambas as abordagens abrem possibilidades interessantes para o reposicionamento das Teorias Organizacionais. Estas possibilidades permitirão discutir a falácia da centralidade, armadilha positiva e funcional que os Estudos Organizacionais são tentados a assumir quando entendem o processo e o movimento não como algo natural e constante, mas como exceção e hiato. / This study aims to analyze the processual and interpretative approach of Organisational Studies, expressed in the writings of its main authors - Karl Weick and Robert Cooper, discussing its relationship to the process philosophy of Henri Bergson. This analysis is performed in order that, in noting a connection between these approaches and Bergson’s philosophy - his core concepts and the intuitive method - it is possible to envision a theory of knowledge on a processual basis, an "epistemology of the process." The motivation for this study had two main reasons. The first is due to my own amazement, followed by questions that led me to go deeper on the proposals of these approaches and readings of its main authors. The second is that in executing this approach with the philosophy of Bergson, and overlooking a theory of knowledge on a processual basis, the neglect that these approaches are treated within the area of Organisational Studies (mainstream) could be decreased. The reference used for the execution of the study was, on according to its own nature, the hermeneutics – specifically the hermeneutical philosophy of Hans-Georg Gadamer, which allows the generation of a moral-political knowledge, engaged and positioned (Schwandt , 2003). Finally, the study presents the findings of the analysis of the processual approach to the philosophy of Bergson, noting that although these approaches understand reality as process, they lack ontological and epistemological alignment with the process philosophy of Bergson. However, in understanding and comprehending the reality from a process perspective, denoting an axiology of process, both approaches open up exciting and interesting possibilities for the repositioning of Organisational Theories. These possibilities will discuss the fallacy of centrality, the positive and functional trap that Organisational Studies are tempted to fall when understanding the process and the movement as something not natural and not constant, but as exception and hiatus.

O presente estudo tem como objetivo analisar as abordagens interpretativa e processual dos Estudos Organizacionais, expressas nas obras de seus principais autores – Karl Weick e Robert Cooper, discutindo sua relação com a filosofia do processo de Henri Bergson. Esta análise é executada no intuito de que, em se verificando uma aproximação entre estas abordagens e a filosofia bergsoniana – seus conceitos pilares e o método intuitivo – seja possível vislumbrar uma teoria do conhecimento em base processual, uma “epistemologia do processo”. A motivação para realização deste estudo deu-se por duas principais razões. A primeira é decorrente do meu próprio estranhamento e interesse, seguido de questionamentos que me levaram ao aprofundamento nas propostas destas abordagens e nas leituras dos seus principais autores. A segunda é que, em executando esta aproximação com a filosofia de Bergson e vislumbrando uma teoria do conhecimento em base processual, a negligência com que estas abordagens são tratadas dentro da área dos Estudos Organizacionais dominantes (mainstream) seja diminuída. A referência utilizada para a execução do trabalho dirigiu-se, em função da sua própria natureza, para a hermenêutica – mais especificamente para a hermenêutica filosófica de Hans-Georg Gadamer, que permite uma interpretação geradora de conhecimento político-moral engajado e preocupado. Por fim, o trabalho apresenta as considerações e os resultados da análise das abordagens processuais à luz da filosofia de Bergson, verificando que, embora estas abordagens entendam a realidade como processual, elas carecem de alinhamento ontológico e epistemológico com a filosofia do processo bergsoniana. Entretanto, ao entender e compreender a realidade sob a ótica do processo, denotando uma axiologia processual, ambas as abordagens abrem possibilidades interessantes para o reposicionamento das Teorias Organizacionais. Estas possibilidades permitirão discutir a falácia da centralidade, armadilha positiva e funcional que os Estudos Organizacionais são tentados a assumir quando entendem o processo e o movimento não como algo natural e constante, mas como exceção e hiato. / This study aims to analyze the processual and interpretative approach of Organisational Studies, expressed in the writings of its main authors - Karl Weick and Robert Cooper, discussing its relationship to the process philosophy of Henri Bergson. This analysis is performed in order that, in noting a connection between these approaches and Bergson’s philosophy - his core concepts and the intuitive method - it is possible to envision a theory of knowledge on a processual basis, an "epistemology of the process." The motivation for this study had two main reasons. The first is due to my own amazement, followed by questions that led me to go deeper on the proposals of these approaches and readings of its main authors. The second is that in executing this approach with the philosophy of Bergson, and overlooking a theory of knowledge on a processual basis, the neglect that these approaches are treated within the area of Organisational Studies (mainstream) could be decreased. The reference used for the execution of the study was, on according to its own nature, the hermeneutics – specifically the hermeneutical philosophy of Hans-Georg Gadamer, which allows the generation of a moral-political knowledge, engaged and positioned (Schwandt , 2003). Finally, the study presents the findings of the analysis of the processual approach to the philosophy of Bergson, noting that although these approaches understand reality as process, they lack ontological and epistemological alignment with the process philosophy of Bergson. However, in understanding and comprehending the reality from a process perspective, denoting an axiology of process, both approaches open up exciting and interesting possibilities for the repositioning of Organisational Theories. These possibilities will discuss the fallacy of centrality, the positive and functional trap that Organisational Studies are tempted to fall when understanding the process and the movement as something not natural and not constant, but as exception and hiatus.

<p>Abstract</p><p>Headline To communicate the environment, “Rarely a paper on the wall”, a study about communication strategies when it comes to internalize a policy in two secondary schools.</p><p>Number of pages 42 (61 including enclosures)</p><p>Author Fanny Persson</p><p>Tutor Peder Hård af Segerstad</p><p>Course Media and communication C</p><p>Period Autumn 2007/spring 2008</p><p>University Division of Media and Communication, Department of Information Science, Uppsala University</p><p>Purpose/aim The purpose of this work was to see what channels of communication are to prefer when working with secondary school pupils, more concrete when speaking about the environment, about the profile of the school and democracy among the pupils.</p><p>Material/method I am going to visit two secondary schools in the middle of Sweden, one that has an environment certification, and the other one is a regular secondary school. To answer these questions I am going to interview totally four teachers, two from each school, and 12 pupils from each school divided into two groups per school.</p><p>Main results One of the main results was that the pupils prefer to mix the tutoring for a better way to learn. Another result was that they see their teachers as paragons and that it is more important what the teachers do than what they say.</p><p>Keywords Environment, Communication, Environment Certifikation, Secondary school, Karl Weick, Communication theory, Understanding, Internalize, Identification, Profile</p>

Abstract Headline To communicate the environment, “Rarely a paper on the wall”, a study about communication strategies when it comes to internalize a policy in two secondary schools. Number of pages 42 (61 including enclosures) Author Fanny Persson Tutor Peder Hård af Segerstad Course Media and communication C Period Autumn 2007/spring 2008 University Division of Media and Communication, Department of Information Science, Uppsala University Purpose/aim The purpose of this work was to see what channels of communication are to prefer when working with secondary school pupils, more concrete when speaking about the environment, about the profile of the school and democracy among the pupils. Material/method I am going to visit two secondary schools in the middle of Sweden, one that has an environment certification, and the other one is a regular secondary school. To answer these questions I am going to interview totally four teachers, two from each school, and 12 pupils from each school divided into two groups per school. Main results One of the main results was that the pupils prefer to mix the tutoring for a better way to learn. Another result was that they see their teachers as paragons and that it is more important what the teachers do than what they say. Keywords Environment, Communication, Environment Certifikation, Secondary school, Karl Weick, Communication theory, Understanding, Internalize, Identification, Profile

Thesis (MPhil (Informations Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Karl E. Weick’s Theory of Organizational Sensemaking and Elliot Jaques’ Stratified Systems Theory are not often deemed to be complimentary. The generally accepted view is that these two positions represent two poles on a spectrum of organization theory. The thesis attempts to bring these two theories in conversation with one another and argues that organizational sensemaking is enriched in a requisitely structured organization. The essence of stratified systems theory is that all humans have an inherent cognitive potential level of coping with complexity. As people mature they gain the potential to handle the next level complexity jobs. Similarly, jobs have a certain span within which they can or should be successfully mastered. In organizations one can then identify different strata, according to job complexity. A requisitely structured organization uses strata to create a managerial hierarchy. Jaques argues that a hierarchy is not repressive if applied requisitely as people will naturally be drawn to jobs in the strata where they are most effective. Sensemaking on the other hand, is the cognitive ability to impose frames on ongoing flows and so make the world sensible. Normally it is an automatic process, but in organizations the sense made is often fragile and under threat. Sensemaking and management are two mutually interacting activities that influence each other constantly. The type of frame imposed on an object, the interpretation given to events, the plausibility of explanations forwarded and the contextualization of circumstances is dependent on one’s applied cognitive capabilities. It is argued that if there are no discontinuites in cognitive capabilities and if the organization is requisitely structured then sensemaking is enhanced. This argument serves as the bridge between Sensemaking Theory and Stratified Systems Theory. Other links are in pertinent properties that are common to both theories, for example, requisite variety, trust, meetings and leadership, which are fundamental requirements in both theories. While the theories are complementary, there remain some gray areas and some others of contention and these are considered towards the end. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Karl Weick se Teorie oor Organisatoriese Singewing en Elliot Jaques se Stratifiseerde Sisteemteorie word nie gewoonlik as komplimentêr gesien nie. Die algemeen aanvaarde siening is dat die twee teorieë eintlik pole aan weerskante van ‘n teoretiese spektrum is. Die tesis probeer om die twee teorieë met mekaar in gesprek te bring en argumenteer dat organisatoriese singewing in ‘n genoegsaam gestruktureerde organisasie verryk word. Die kern van Stratifiseerde Sisteemteorie is dat alle mense ‘n inherente kognitiewe potensiaal vir kompleksiteitshantering het. Soos mense natuurlik verouder kan hulle potensiaal vergroot word en kan hulle ‘n volgende vlak van kompleksiteit hanteer. In organisasies beteken dit dat verskillende rolle in organisasies verskillende tydsperiodes vereis waarbinne dit suksesvol bemeester kan of behoort te word. In organisasies kan verskillende vlakke op hierdie manier geïdentifiseer word. Volgens Jaques gebruik ‘n genoegsaam gestruktureerde organisasie hierdie vlakke om ‘n hierargiese bestuurstruktuur daar te stel waarmee mense aangewend word op die vlakke waar hulle die effektiefste sal wees. Singewing daarteenoor, is die kognitiewe vermoë om raamwerke op deurlopende vloeie af te dwing. Normaalweg is dit ‘n outomatiese proses, maar in organisasies word singewing dikwels bedreig. Singewing en bestuur is twee aktiwiteite wat mekaar deurlopend beïnvloed. Die soort raam wat op die vloei afgedwing word, die interpretasie van gebeure, die geloofwaardigheid van verduidelikings en die kontekstualisering van omstandighede hang saam met mens se kognitiewe vermoëns. Daar word geargumenteer dat die afwesigheid van diskontinuïteite in kognitiewe vermoëns is en ‘n genoegsaam gestruktureerde organisasie singewing sal bevorder. Op hierdie manier word ‘n brug geslaan tussen Singewingsteorie en Stratifiseerde Sisteemteorie. In die proses word eienskappe wat sentraal staan vir beide teorieë, soos vereiste varieteit, belang van vergaderings, vertroue en leierskap, uitgelig as gedeelde eienskappe tussen die twee toerieë. Laastens word die grys areas en besware bekyk en waar die grense van komplimentariteit tussen die twee teorieë lê.

Thesis (MPhil (Information Science))--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / This thesis explores the notion of communities of practice, and in particular how they make sense of their environment in order to create knowledge and enable learning. Traditionally communities of practice are viewed as stewards of expert knowledge, but this thesis argues that they are better understood as sensemaking phenomena. Chapter one introduces the theory of sensemaking as developed by Karl Weick. This chapter introduces the seven properties of sensemaking. It also explores organisational sensemaking by taking the intersubjective and generic subjective levels of sensemaking into account. Chapter two focuses on the literature on communities of practice as self-organising knowledge structures. Three structural aspects of communities of this kind are introduced, namely domain, community and practice. Following Etienne Wenger two additional aspects of communities of practice—namely meaning and identity—are analyzed as these provide the basis for a link to sensemaking theory. In the final part of this chapter the downside of communities of practice is reviewed as they do not only present opportunities but also unique challenges for organisations. Chapter three combines the conclusions from the previous two chapters by interpreting communities of practice from a sensemaking perspective. The seven properties of sensemaking are applied to communities of practice and the role of meaning in communities of practice is viewed through the lens of sensemaking. Furthermore the role communities of practice might play in enhancing the phases of organisational sensemaking is indicated. Chapter four concludes that communities of practice indeed function as sensemaking phenomena in their environments. It is argued that nurturing communities of practice as centres of sensemaking could be advantageous to organisations and recommendations are made on how to best achieve this.

Studiens syfte är tvåfaldigt. Dels är syftet att undersöka hur organisationers förståelse (i meningen deras lägesbild och situationsförståelse) och handlande tycks förhålla sig sinsemellan. Dels är syftet att undersöka hur organisatoriska skillnader tycks påverka förståelsen (återigen i meningen deras lägesbild och situationsförståelse). I båda fallen inom sammanhanget av samhällelig krishantering. Studiens forskningsfrågor besvaras genom en kombination av kvalitativa metoder. Det empiriska materialet utgörs av intervjuer med personal inom somliga av de räddningstjänster som inblandades i hanteringen av en omfattande skogsbrand på Gotland, våren 2016.

The terrorist attacks of 9/11 created a crisis of epic proportions for the airline industry. The attacks, on the heels of the first financial losses in four years, threatened the existence of many airlines. It was incumbent on the CEO to make sense and offer a plan to control the crisis and move forward. There were fewer audiences more attentive to this senemaking activity than the stockholders. On the cusp of the organization, shareholder management is a central job of CEOs in the 21st century. This study focuses on CEO presentations to shareholders for American, Delta and Frontier Airlines before during and after the events of 9/11. Using Close Textual Analysis as configured by Michael Leff, the time focused rhetorical analysis is extended to include slices of time. How CEOs use experienced time and interpreted time to gain stockholder confidence, control the crisis and create a shared vision of the future is the goal of this project. A longitudinal study across the years of 2001-2003, this dissertation considers how the organizational, leadership and personal goals of each of these airlines and their leaders are met through rhetorical configurations of time.