Critical Management Studies and paradox

K. van Bommel, A. Spicer

Research output: Chapter in Book / Report / Conference proceedingChapterAcademicpeer-review

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Abstract

This chapter examines the role of Critical Management Studies (CMS) in the exploration of paradoxes in organizations. CMS focuses on the study of paradoxes in organizational life and aims to address these paradoxes in order to reveal and question structures of oppression and contribute to a progressive force for emancipatory change. The paradoxical aspects of CMS are discussed and various paradoxes addressed by its scholars are explained. These paradoxes are examined from diverse theoretical traditions such as feminism, queer theory, colonialism, and the work of Marx, Weber, and Foucault. Notwithstanding this theoretical pluralism, CMS’ aim is to uncover the often unseen dynamics that shape almost all core organizational processes. The value of considering paradoxes from a CMS perspective is also discussed. Finally, suggestions about how to locate and examine hidden paradoxes are offered and a research agenda around CMS and paradox is presented.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationOxford Handbook of Organizational Paradox
Subtitle of host publicationApproaches to Plurality, Tensions and Contradictions
EditorsP. Jarzabkowski, M. Lewis, W. Smith, A. Langley
Place of PublicationOxford
PublisherOxford University Press
Chapter7
Pages143-161
Number of pages19
ISBN (Electronic)9780191815966
ISBN (Print)9780198754428, 9780198840183
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2017

Publication series

NameOxford Handbooks

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