Scientific theory and Perspectives in Business on Organizations

1. Ontology and epistemology
2. Philosophical perspectives, i.e. positivism, critical realism, interpretivism and pragmatism
3. Scientific reasoning, falsification and explanation in science
4. Modern, symbolic and postmodern perspectives in organization studies and their philosophical foundations
5. The course will further explore the following topics focusing on modern, symbolic and postmodern perspectives on organizations:

• Organizations and environment
• Organizational technology
• Organizational structure and culture
• Power and conflict in organizations

Learning outcomes

Knowledge:

• Have an understanding of important concepts in philosophy of science and understand the distinction between positivism, realism, relativism and pragmatism.
• Have knowledge of modern, symbolic and post-modern perspectives on organizations and their philosophical foundations.
• Develop an understanding of main theories and insights in each perspective (modern, symbolic and post-modern) and how each perspective contributes to knowledge and the design and management of organizations.

Skills:

• Be able to explain the relevance of different philosophical positions for business research.

• Be able to reflect upon and critically discuss the application of principles from modern, symbolic and postmodern perspectives in the business context.
• Has the ability to present relevant academic insights to others in a reflected and systematic way.

General competence

• Has the ability to discuss scientific issues in business from a broad set of criteria and perspectives
• Has insight into the relevance of different perspectives for management of organizations and different methods/ techniques firms can use to test and improve the way they do business.

Lectures, guest lectures, individual/group level guidance, class discussions and presentations.