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Sensemaking and discourse analyses in inter-organizational research: A review and suggested advances

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  • Jørgensen, Lene
  • Jordan, Silvia
  • Mitterhofer, Hermann

Abstract

This paper reviews studies which investigate inter-organizational encounters from sensemaking and discourse analytical perspectives and extends this line of reasoning by proposing a research method and agenda. Sensemaking methodologies address discursive processes of meaning construction and analyze the effects of shared as well as divergent ways of making sense. Critical discourse analyses focus on wider societal discourses as relevant resources that are drawn upon and reconstructed in inter-organizational sensemaking and sensegiving processes. We outline the rationales, methodologies and main findings of extant research and contribute to this body of work by integrating Karl Weick's sensemaking approach and Jürgen Link's critical interdiscourse analysis. This integrative methodology is particularly suited for investigating the role of mediating instruments such as figures, graphs and other ‘interdiscursive charts’ as relevant, thus far under-researched sensemaking resources in inter-organizational encounters.

Suggested Citation

  • Jørgensen, Lene & Jordan, Silvia & Mitterhofer, Hermann, 2012. "Sensemaking and discourse analyses in inter-organizational research: A review and suggested advances," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 28(2), pages 107-120.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:scaman:v:28:y:2012:i:2:p:107-120
    DOI: 10.1016/j.scaman.2012.01.007
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    4. Marta Najda-Janoszka & Corina Daba-Buzoianu, 2018. "Editorial Paper: Exploring Management Through Qualitative Research – Introductory Remarks," Journal of Entrepreneurship, Management and Innovation, Fundacja Upowszechniająca Wiedzę i Naukę "Cognitione", vol. 4(4), pages 5-16.
    5. Peterson, Helen, 2016. "Merging management ideals in Swedish IT offshoring," Scandinavian Journal of Management, Elsevier, vol. 32(2), pages 97-105.
    6. Akgün, Ali E. & Keskin, Halit & Byrne, John C. & Lynn, Gary S., 2014. "Antecedents and consequences of organizations' technology sensemaking capability," Technological Forecasting and Social Change, Elsevier, vol. 88(C), pages 216-231.

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