Back to the Oracle: Postmodern Organization Theory as a Resurfacing of Premodern Wisdom

Abstract

Post-modernism, a term increasingly utilized in organization theory, has recently been divided into two `types'—epistemological postmodernism and the periodization post-modernism (distinguished by its hyphen). Both modes have, in different ways, been marginalized. While the case against epistemological postmodernism is not dwelt on, the claim that a `softer' version of post-modernism as periodization is nothing new and therefore insignificant is questioned. This paper posits that the emergence of this brand of post-modernism, while not new, is indicative of a significant shift that should be interrogated. However, by steering us to see such a shift as nothing new, insignificant and a distraction, a traditional `modern `frame of cultural and historical development is likely to distract from such an interrogation. An alternative `post-modern' frame, one which attempts to aid the temporary decoupling of newness and significance, enabling post-modernism to be seen as nothing new and significant, is described here. This frame enables post-modern-type thinking to be readily traced in many of our pasts. To illustrate, this paper `travels' to ancient Athens to think about post-modern organization theory.