Routledge Historical Organization Studies: Theory and Applications

We are now entering a new phase in the establishment of historical organization studies as a distinctive methodological paradigm within the broad field of organization studies. This book serves both as a landmark in the development of the field and as a key reference tool for researchers and students. For two decades, organization theorists have emphasized the need for more and better research recognizing the importance of the past in shaping the present and future. By historicizing organizational research, the contexts and forces bearing upon organizations will be more fully recognized, and analyses of organizational dynamics improved. But how, precisely, might a traditionally empirically oriented discipline such as history be incorporated into a theoretically oriented discipline such as organization studies? This book evaluates the current state of play, advances it and identifies the possibilities the new emergent field offers for the future. In addition to providing an important work of reference on the subject for researchers, the book can be used to introduce management and organizational history to a student audience at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The book is a valuable source for wider reading, providing rich reference material in tutorials across organizational studies, or as recommended or required reading on courses with a connection to business or management history. Review "Today, understanding our past is more urgent than ever to inform our future. This book makes a fantastic job of discussing fundamental issues to make sense of history in organization studies. The book is a must-read for all academics who are interested in producing solid organizational studies historical accounts as well as to understand how history has been discussed in organization studies." Professor Rafael Alcadipani, Fundação Getúlio Vargas, FGV-EAESP, São Paulo "The authors in this volume venture audaciously into the interdisciplinary worlds of management studies and history. The outcome is a book which marks a serious advance in showing how business and management can incorporate history more dynamically in research, and benefit greatly as a result." Professor Geoffrey Jones, Isidor Straus Professor of Business History, Harvard Business School "This volume takes an important next step in the further development of the ‘historical turn’ in organization studies by bringing together theoretical, methodological and empirical insights. Through compelling narratives from all parts of society, it demonstrates how the interplay between history and organization studies advances our reflexivity and ability to engage in the future." Professor Majken Schultz, Centre for Organizational Time, Copenhagen Business School "There is a need for historical organization studies. This book not only explains why this is the case but also what it means. The rich collection of empirical examples helps us understand the various approaches that can be taken and how they can contribute to organization studies. Highly recommended reading!" Professor Eero Vaara, Hanken School of Economics and Saïd Business School, University of Oxford "This collection demonstrates the extent to which the promise of Historical Organization Studies – the interplay between creative historical research and innovative organizational theory – is becoming a reality. Along with an introduction by four leading scholars that maps out the intellectual terrain of the field, the chapters demonstrate the variety of different ways in which scholars are integrating history and theory to generate new insights about organizations and organizing. I would especially recommend the volume for early career researchers interested in learning about a dynamic and emerging field of organizational scholarship." Professor Dan Wadhwani, University of Southern California and Copenhagen Business School About the Author Mairi Maclean is Professor o