New Developments in Translation Research

Abstract

When considering knowledge, learning, innovation and change, much of the current management and organizational literature has come to adopt the notion of translation. In general terms, this relates to changes occurring through the apparent movement of knowledge, including the implementation of ideas into practice (Nicolini, Powell, Conville, & Martinez-Solano, 2008). However, various perspectives are evident, notably variations on actor network theory and the sociology of translation (e.g. Latour, 1986; 1987; Callon, 1986; Czarniawska & Sevon 1996; Sahlin-Andersson, 1996), but also those derived from fields such as computational linguistics, discourse analysis, technological innovation, cultural capital and resource-based views of the firm (Wittgenstein, 1958; Bourdieu, 1986; Nonaka, 1994). This diversity can create confusion and ambiguity, but also provides richness and suggests a wide recognition of the analytical value of translation. In this special issue, we are open to both challenges to, and developments of these perspectives that can create more space for novel theoretical and empirical research. The study of translation is important across various fields of management and organization theory such as organizational change, management innovation and learning, consumption and institutional theory (Czarniawska-Joerges & Sevon, 1996; 2005). Importantly, it has become increasingly accepted that knowledge in the form of ‘new’ ideas, practices, scientific developments and technologies does not typically remain stable (Ansari, Fiss, & Zajac, 2010). Rather, when it ‘diffuses’ or ‘moves’, knowledge is translated to ‘fit’ the specific context (Rovik, 2011). It is not so much ‘in context’, but made by the context (Orlikowski, 2002). As a result, we are beginning to better understand how various forms of knowledge are blended, modified, adapted or re-invented and how these processes may ultimately shape and change the nature of organizations, institutions and society. However, despite its merits, translation research has developed over recent years without much critique, for instance on its underlying assumptions. In order to open up avenues for further research, it is necessary to assess critically and constructively current debates in the field, particularly those which locate translation in the context of contemporary organizations and/or organizing. For instance, various literatures emphasize the significance of institutional complexity and competing demands that may exert influence over processes of translation. In addition, the increased and more complex role of occupational groups in the establishment and appropriation of ‘new’ ideas has also been emphasized. Furthermore, new organizational forms such as international joint ventures, private public partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, academia-industry collaborative networks and outsourced work have been created explicitly to manage the establishment bs_bs_banner