Synopses & Reviews
The concept of narrative is explored in many different fields from organization studies to studies on identity, psychology, and learning. Organization and management studies have overwhelmingly focused to date on rational narrative structures with beginnings, middles, and ends, where narrative has proved to be a handy concept in qualitative studies a such as in the analysis of interviews or in understanding an organizationa (TM)s history and identity. Far less attention is given however to the more spontaneous and a non-stageda (TM) storytelling that occurs in organizations. The collective and joint storytelling of everyday conversations and interactions in business is less well understood, but is arguably vital to an organizationa (TM)s dynamics and ability to cope with change.
Pioneering thinker in organizational communication David Boje here compiles a collection of new essays on the theme of a antenarrative, a (TM) or non-linear narrative, as applied to organizations and business, bringing together different approaches and philosophical interpretations of the concept. The essays combine a strong theoretical background with empirical cases as diverse as Wal-mart, information systems, and Nordic banking. Storytelling and Antenarrative in Organizations is the first volume to offer such a varied but systematic examination of non-traditional narrative inquiry in the management realm, organizing and developing its approach, and providing new insights for management students and scholars.
Synopsis
Storytelling is part of social action and interaction that actually shapes the future of organizations. Organization and management studies have overwhelmingly focused to date on rational narrative structures with beginnings, middles, and ends, where narrative has proved to be a handy concept in qualitative studies. Far less attention is given however to the more spontaneous and non-staged storytelling that occurs in organizations. Storytelling and the Future of Organizations explores the science and practice of antenarrative because that is how the future of organization is shaped.
Antenarrative is a term invented by David M. Boje in 2001, and is defined as a bet on the future, as before narrative linearity, coherence, and stability sets in. Antenarrative is all about prospective sensemaking, betting on the future before narrative retrospection fossilizes the past. Antenarrative storytelling is therefore agential in ways that traditional narratology has yet to come to grips with. This handbook contribution is bringing together a decade of scholarship on antenarrative. It is the first volume to offer such a varied but systematic examination of non-traditional narrative inquiry in the management realm, organizing and developing its approach, and providing new insights for management students and scholars.