Lexington Books Organization Theory and Transnational Social Movements: Organizational Life and Internal Dynamics of Power Exercise within the Alternative Globalization Movement

Placing it within the theoretical perspectives and debates in Organizational Theory (OT), this book explores the organizational design and internal functioning of a rather emblematic and widely acclaimed transnational social organization: the alternative globalization movement (previously anti-globalization movement). The issue of power in particular remains the central feature of the book. Based on a detailed study of two of the movement's essential constituents (transnational campaigns and the World Social Forum), the book examines the complexity in which certain forms of internal relations or mechanisms of power emerge. In other words, how is the organizational hierarchy conceived and how are important responsibilities executed? What are the principal modes of authority and control? What are the priorities and motives of the leading individuals and groups within the movement? Furthermore, what makes certain echelons, groups, or individuals wield more influence and authority than others, and also justify their legitimacy through diverse means? These questions are especially valid owing to the movement's proper interpretation of power which considers the concentration of power as totally unacceptable. The movement draws lessons from the history of social changes to suggest that political parties and labour movements tended to give rise to the seizure of power by a few, a heavy bureaucracy, and the lack of transparency. Logically, then, a new organizational vision should emerge, avoiding hierarchies and encouraging a more diffused process of power sharing. However, an informal manner of functioning has instead created many ambiguities, with new sets of interests and power relations gradually becoming manifest within the movement. All carefully considered, the book draws three principal conclusions: first, an informal organization structure does not mean that there is an absence of power; second, the exercise of power takes place while denying it; and third, there is seemingly a lack of internal resistanc Review This book is a must read for scholars as well as social movement players in search of a fresh and pertinent perspective in comprehending organizational theory and power relations in understanding the 'alternative globalization movement'. The value-oriented approach to organizational theory analysis which Ghimire applies to his case studies is an excellent contribution in transnational social movements theory and practice.--Teresa S. Encarnacion Tadem, University of the Philippines, Diliman At the beginning of the twentieth century much hope for the future was vested in the labour movement, whose centralised and bureaucratic power relations were analysed by Robert Michels. Today, hope has been transferred largely to the alternative globalization movement as a form of social action seemingly far less centralist and power-driven than union bureaucracy and more attuned to the pressing issues of our times. However, all forms of social relations are characterised by power relations and this broad-based social movement is no exception. While it opposes centralised and hierarchical power relations it is not itself power-less. it's organization is certainly less formal, more emergent, but, much as Michels might have predicted, it has developed a permanent leadership with the capacity to creating procedures and other astute mechanisms so as to ensure, among other things, its own continued grip to power, whilst at the same time, veiling the mechanism with which this is accomplished. This book is a worthy addition to the social movements and organizations literature providing a sophisticated power-oriented analysis.--Stewart Clegg, University of Technology, Sydney, Australia About the Author Kléber Bertrand Ghimire is department head of social sciences at Stendhal University, Grenoble 3.