A Grammar of Organizing

`A "generative" grammar of organizing - i.e. a systematic account of rules and conventions based on the concept of activities - that may help us avoid reducing our understanding of organizing to either structure or process features! This is the bold claim put forward by the authors of this book. To support their grammar, i.e. the activity-community model of organizing, the authors draw on multiple examples from organizations as well as references from the current research debate in the broad area of organization studies. The book, which is written in the Scandinavian tradition of organization studies, is an innovative and much welcome contribution to organization research in general and to the study of organizing in particular. In short, it is a distinct contribution that makes a lot of sense!'
- Per Olof Berg, Stockholm University School of Business, Sweden

`This engaging book offers a fresh perspective on managing in a world where organizations and their activities are being rapidly formed and dissembled. The authors develop a novel model of community formation and activity coordination that smartly recasts managerial work to focus attention on how ideas travel and capabilities can be improved both within and across organizational units.'
- Walter W. Powell, Stanford University, US

A Grammar of Organizing provides a new, innovative perspective on the organizational challenges now facing companies in complex and dynamic business situations.

This book represents a much needed departure from static theories of organizations to incorporate the dynamic and ever-changing nature of today's companies. The authors assert that management and organization theory is increasingly turning its attention to the perpetual practice of organizing and strategizing rather than just focusing on formal structures and strategies. This new paradigm is thoroughly analyzed, and the consequent management implications discussed. The book then goes on to build a much needed, coherent and fully developed theoretical framework to further expand upon this new emerging perspective. The `activity-community' model is built around fundamental principles, and numerous case studies are used to illustrate and support this unique theoretical framework.

Offering an up-to-date overview of the latest developments within organization theory, and posing a number of important questions on this changing realm, this book will prove a fascinating read for academics, students, researchers and practitioners with an interest in management and organization studies and practices.