Science Fiction And Organization

Science Fiction and Organization Science fiction can be seen as a diagnosis of the present, and a vision of possible futures. As such, it forms an excellent tool of interrogation for both contemporary organizing processes and organizations as institutions. To date, however, the marginal activity of science fiction has been largely ignored in writing on organizational theory. This international collection is the first book of its kind to explore how science fiction can enrich organizational studies by drawing on perspectives across the arts and social sciences. Key themes include: • • • Examining the interrelation of organizational theory and developments in science fiction. Showing how immersion in science fiction can alter the reader’s perspective and how this, in turn, feeds an understanding of organization. Discussion of how the exploration of popular themes in science fiction (such as identity, the nature of reality, the place of technology, the all-powerful corporation, the creation and maintenance of meta-narratives) corresponds to approaches taken to similar themes within organizational theory. The range of sources and theoretical perspectives included in this text will ensure its importance for academics in the fields of organizational and social theory, particularly those interested in the relationships between art, theory and literature. Warren Smith is Lecturer in Organization Studies at the Management Centre, University of Leicester. Matthew Higgins is Lecturer in Management at the Management Centre, University of Leicester. Martin Parker is Reader in Social and Organizational Theory at the University of Keele. Geoff Lightfoot is Lecturer in Accounting at the University of Keele. Routledge Studies in Human Resource Development Edited by Monica Lee Lancaster University HRD theory is changing rapidly. Recent advances in theory and practice, in how we conceive of organizations and of the world of knowledge, have led to the need to reinterpret the field. This series aims to reflect and foster the development of HRD as an emergent discipline. Encompassing a range of different international, organizational, methodological and theoretical perspectives, the series promotes theoretical controversy and reflective practice. 1 Policy Matters Flexible learning and organizational change Edited by Viktor Jakupec and Robin Usher 2 Science Fiction and Organization Edited by Warren Smith, Matthew Higgins, Martin Parker and Geoff Lightfoot Also available from Routledge: Action Research in Organisations Jean McNiff, accompanied by Jack Whitehead Understanding Human Resource Development Edited by Jim Stewart, Jim McGoldrick, and Sandra Watson Science Fiction and Organization Edited by Warren Smith, Matthew Higgins, Martin Parker and Geoff Lightfoot London and New York First published 2001 by Routledge 11 New Fetter Lane, London EC4P 4EE Simultaneously published in the USA and Canada by Routledge 29 West 35th Street, New York, NY 10001 Routledge is an imprint of the Taylor & Francis Group This edition published in the Taylor & Francis e-Library, 2003. © 2001 Edited by Warren Smith, Matthew Higgins, Martin Parker and Geoff Lightfoot All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reprinted or reproduced or utilized in