‘Open Purpose’: Embracing Organizations as Expressive Systems

Clegg, S; Pina e Cunha, M; Rego, A; Santos, F

‘Open Purpose’: Embracing Organizations as Expressive Systems

Clegg, S

Pina e Cunha, M Rego, A Santos, F

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Publisher:: SAGE Publications
Publication Type:: Journal Article
Citation:: Organization Theory, 2021, 2, (4), pp. 1-22
Issue Date:: 2021-10-01

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Field	Value	Language
dc.contributor.author	Clegg, S https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6083-4283
dc.contributor.author	Pina e Cunha, M
dc.contributor.author	Rego, A
dc.contributor.author	Santos, F
dc.date.accessioned	2022-09-20T07:43:41Z
dc.date.available	2022-09-20T07:43:41Z
dc.date.issued	2021-10-01
dc.identifier.citation	Organization Theory, 2021, 2, (4), pp. 1-22
dc.identifier.issn	2631-7877
dc.identifier.issn	2631-7877
dc.identifier.uri	http://hdl.handle.net/10453/161929
dc.description.abstract	The concept of purpose gained prominence in organization theory in recent years but there are discrepant views of its meaning, which we review as evolving and different perspectives: economic theories of the firm; stakeholder approaches; integrative social contracts; and social mission. We elaborate these perspectives in terms of the ebb and flow of ideas and eras. Against these instrumental views, we revisit the work of Robert Cooper, namely the ever-open purpose of expressive organizations, and contrast this with fixist views of purpose in instrumental organizations. We engage with the logic of open purpose and sketch a way of rethinking purpose as a general orientation that constantly evolves and changes over time in interaction with its ecosystem
dc.language	en
dc.publisher	SAGE Publications
dc.relation.ispartof	Organization Theory
dc.relation.isbasedon	10.1177/26317877211054860
dc.rights	info:eu-repo/semantics/openAccess
dc.title	‘Open Purpose’: Embracing Organizations as Expressive Systems
dc.type	Journal Article
utslib.citation.volume	2
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Business
pubs.organisational-group	/University of Technology Sydney/Faculty of Business/Management Discipline
utslib.copyright.status	open_access	*
pubs.consider-herdc	false
dc.date.updated	2022-09-20T07:43:40Z
pubs.issue	4
pubs.publication-status	Published
pubs.volume	2
utslib.citation.issue	4

Abstract:

The concept of purpose gained prominence in organization theory in recent years but there are discrepant views of its meaning, which we review as evolving and different perspectives: economic theories of the firm; stakeholder approaches; integrative social contracts; and social mission. We elaborate these perspectives in terms of the ebb and flow of ideas and eras. Against these instrumental views, we revisit the work of Robert Cooper, namely the ever-open purpose of expressive organizations, and contrast this with fixist views of purpose in instrumental organizations. We engage with the logic of open purpose and sketch a way of rethinking purpose as a general orientation that constantly evolves and changes over time in interaction with its ecosystem

Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item:

http://hdl.handle.net/10453/161929