This book presents a new view of organizations which has important implications for the theory, methods and practice of management. For several years the boundaries of political science, sociology and other fields in the social sciences have been significantly rethought with the help of autopoiesis theory. The authors examine how this theory can be applied in the organization and management field, by an increased focus on knowledge and the processes of knowledge development and guidance. Intended as a standard reference for all those involved in the study of advanced organizations, Organizational Epistemology will be welcomed by graduate students, researchers and reflective practitioners alike.

This book presents an in-depth perspective of knowledge as a fundamental process of any organization rather than just another resource to be managed. The author presents a process-oriented theory of creating and applying knowledge directed towards both researchers and practitioners. In this book the author develops normative knowledge management guidelines which draw from a unique view on knowledge, discussed in the field of philosophy since Plato but neglected by most knowledge management authors – by applying a philosophically grounded ‘social epistemology’ to organizations. The guidelines in this book call for an open and reflective space of knowledge creation, aligned with goals and structures of the organization. Numerous examples, field studies, and an application to the main case study on Seven-Eleven Japan complement both the descriptive view on knowledge as well as the normative guidelines presented in this book.​

"In this book Haridimos Tsoukas examines the nature of knowledge in organizations, and how individuals and scholars approach the concept of knowledge"--Provided by publisher.

Drawing on the research of more than 50 influential international scholars, this extensive interdisciplinary survey consolidates and evaluates what is known and not known about organizations, and critically examines how we learn about and study them. Contributors include 50 influential international scholars. Contributions represent the most important contemporary perspectives on organizations, including networks, ecology and technology. Each topic is covered at three levels of organization: intraorganizational, organizational, and interorganizational. Chapters structured around five common elements for ease of use.

In The Inquiring Organization, Chun Wei Choo examines how an organization's knowledge-acquisition and information-seeking leads to the construction of beliefs and the formations of epistemic practices. Featuring case studies and examples from a variety of policy-making, public health, and high-tech ventures, Choo thoroughly explores the epistemology of organizational learning and information-seeking with fascinating results in this book.

Organizational Theory for Equity and Diversity covers the full range of organizational theories as applied to educational leadership practice and research, exploring not only traditional perspectives but also critically oriented epistemologies including Critical Race Theory; LatCrit, Asian, Tribal Crit, and Black Crit; Disability Studies theories; feminist theories; Queer Theory, and theories of intersectionality. Each chapter features teaching suggestions, discussion questions, and questions to help aspiring leaders critically analyze their leadership strengths and limitations in order to understand, apply, and integrate theories into practice. This valuable text provides aspiring school leaders and administrators with the theory and tools for creating equitable and diverse schools that are effective and sustainable.