The subject(ivity) of management

Abstract

Presents and criticizes the existing management literature. Shows that there exist unsolved problems and paradoxes in the existing functionalistic management theories. Contrasts the contingency and situational theories with a constructivistic alternative theory, and shows how the unsolved problems and paradoxes are solved, or become parts of the alternative constructivistic management theory. Argues that how these problems and paradoxes are solved is the foundation for an alternative management theory. Points out that the alternative management theory is to be empirically based. Empirical data is, therefore, essential in order to develop the alternative theory in more detail and make it more nuanced and sophisticated. Suggests that the two levels of the empirical phenomenological approach is applied and adjusted to collect and interpret the data, consisting foremost of unstructured in‐depth interviews with managers.