Expanding the Vocabulary of Organizing: Design in Social-Organizational Life

Abstract

This symposium explores the expansive vocabulary and generative practices associated with the word “design,” through three papers. We will discuss the consequences of emphasizing design as activity rather than “thinking.” We will also present two case studies on the social dynamics created in by introducing the vocabulary and action of design in two unusual social settings – inner city schools and the US Navy Submarine Community. In those two cases, we will explore how organizations and communities that adopt the language of design in novel ways are able to expand their repertoires of generative activity. Design Thinking: Why Choose Weak Words when we have Strong Ones Available? Presenter: Richard J. Boland; Case Western Reserve U. Design Speech Genre in a Command and Control Organization: The US Submarine Community Presenter: Frank J. Barrett; Naval Postgraduate School From Consumers to Creators: The Power of Design Presenter: Youngjin Yoo; Temple U. Presenter: Frank J. Barrett; Naval Postgraduate School