Sub-theme 44: Marxist Organization Studies: Structures, Systems and Power
Call for Papers
In 2015, we will build on the success of the five previous EGOS Marxist studies sub-themes in bringing together
people who share an interest in building on Marx's ideas to advance organization studies. With Athens as the host city, the
organizers of the EGOS 2015 Colloquium have invoked various Greek philosophers in calling for papers that examine organizational
life, challenge unreflexive practice, consider the ongoing reflexive reconstitution of organization and the power relations
and responsibilities that are entwined in these social relationships. This sub-theme takes up this invitation by providing
the space for reflection on the current contributions and future prospects of Marxist-inspired organization studies in examining
the structures, systems, and power relations of contemporary organizational life. As the organizers observe 'Much of modern
organizational life is carried out through structures, systems and routines, following norms and rules, within power structures'
and Marxist work is particularly well placed to contribute to the examination of these phenomena.
We particularly
welcome papers that address the following:
- Processes and systems of globalization and cross-national organization
- Studies of work, organization and the labour process
- Studies of organization and society, including processes of hegemony, class relations and power structures
- Marxist analyses of institutional fields and processes of institutionalization
- Class analyses of employee identities, including the professions and occupational groups
We are not
dogmatic in an attachment to any specific kind of Marxism – all kinds are welcome. In previous years our sub-theme has enjoyed
lively debate spanning a wide range of Marxist approaches. Some scholars have sought to integrate insights from organization
studies into a Marxist framework, while others have examined how Marxist insights may fruitfully add analytical value to other
research traditions.
We invite contributions that either (a) enrich our understanding of the empirical world
of organizations based on Marxist theoretical foundations, or (b) enrich Marxist theory in a way that promises deeper understanding
of that world.
While the overall EGOS call asks for short papers under 3000 words, this sub-theme encourages
longer submissions so we can better assess the fit with our program.