Social Space and Field: Constructs for Rethinking Organization Theory and Practice

Abstract

Social space and field theory were central to the pioneering social psychology of Kurt Lewin and the sociology of Pierre Bourdieu. However, these constructs were left behind as systematic tools for building organizational theory and guiding practice. Although researchers have increasingly been exploring the issue of space in organizations, these treatments often discuss physical and social space in an undifferentiated manner. In recent years, there has been a revival of interest in social space and field theory as meta-theoretical constructs that offer way out of the individual versus structure dichotomy that has so bedeviled the social sciences (Martin, 2003). These recent developments indicate that social space and field constructs are poised to stimulate new thinking regarding theory development and practice in organizational theory, organizational behavior, and organizational theory and change. The goal of the symposium, then, is to create a space in which these constructs can be presented, critically examined, refined and applied to a variety of theory and practice realms. The symposium will begin with a brief introduction to the constructs of space and field and their application to the issues of organizational/social change, research ethics, and leadership. In small groups the participants will engage in dialogue how these constructs can be applied to their own theoretical and practical issues. Finally, the full group will reflect on insights, critiques, and questions that can guide further practice and research based on social space and field.