Meta-Theory for Transforming Organisation and Leadership Research and Practice
The purpose of this paper is to develop a meta-theoretical understanding of multidimensional, ambivalent and responsive processes of communication and transformation in organizations and their leadership. Based on a meta-theoretical perspective, especially the discourses on organisational communication and transformational leadership can be expanded towards a more integrally oriented and in-formed research practice.for studying practices of organizing and leader- and followership. An integral conceptualization considers systematically the embodied, emotional, cognitive, behavioral as well as aesthetic, social, structural and systemic dimensions of communicating and transforming, especially transformational leader- and followership and its complex interplay. With reference to previous research related to the advanced phenomenology and ontology of Merleau-Ponty, and a critical review of literature different approaches which investigate the interrelated dimensions, potential and effects of communicating and transforming in organization and leadership are discussed and patterned.
With its meta-theoretical and integral orientation, the paper contributes to a critique of conventional reductionistic approaches and shows possibilities for a more cross-diciplinary direction. In order to grow into a more multi-, meta- and inter- and transdisciplinary endeavour, future research on leadership- and communication research needs to break the largely univocal narratives. Moreover, it needs to open up to multiple conceptual linkages and innovative methods considering and incorporating various levels of analysis in theory, measurement, data analysis as well as interpretation. This also implies first-, second- and third-person perspectives (singular and plural forms) with each of their inherent methodologies or modes of inquiry.
The “first-person” perspective – related to subjective awareness and meaning of personal experience and action – can be assessed via self-reporting or biographic (ethno-)methodologies. For approaching the “second-person”, that is the interpersonal perspective, the use of dialogue and direct communication, and methodologically qualitative interviews, are ways to disclose multiple voices and an understanding of individual and collective sense-making. Finally, for the “third-person”, empirical observation and methods of behavioural or systemic sciences can be used for investigating quantitative data with rigor. An integral methodology recognizes the validity of behavioural, functionalist and reductive analyses and quantitative investigations. Bringing these perspectives together highlights the different possibilities that exist for investigating how they might interrelate for a better understanding of leadership in organizations. In a similar way as meta-triangulation, an integral orientation may help theorists of communication and leadership research to gain a reflexive appreciation of possible knowledge and reduce their commitment to a favoured and “provincial” point of view.
Accordingly a meta-theoretical and integral approach facilitates a shift from a narrowed approach towards a richer, multi-dimensional and interrelated theory building and critical reflexivity, offering a greater explanatory and interpretative potential. In addition to benefits and possibilities of crossing disciplinary boundaries, also some limitations and problems of inter- and transdisciplinary research are discussed.
Meta-Theory for Transforming Organisation and Leadership Research and Practice
Wendelin Küpers
The purpose of this paper is to develop a meta-theoretical understanding of multidimensional, ambivalent and responsive processes of communication and transformation in organizations and their leadership. Based on a meta-theoretical perspective, especially the discourses on organisational communication and transformational leadership can be expanded towards a more integrally oriented and in-formed research practice. An integral conceptualization considers systematically the embodied, emotional, cognitive, behavioral as well as aesthetic, social, structural and systemic dimensions of communicating and transforming, especially transformational leader- and followership and its complex interplay. With reference to previous research related to the advanced phenomenology and ontology of Merleau-Ponty, and a critical review of literature different approaches which investigate the interrelated dimensions, potential and effects of communicating and transforming in organization and leadership are discussed and patterned.
With its meta-theoretical and integral orientation, the paper contributes to a critique of conventional reductionistic approaches and shows possibilities for a more cross-diciplinary direction. In order to grow into a more multi-, meta- and inter- and transdisciplinary endeavour, future research on leadership- and communication research needs to break the largely univocal narratives. Moreover, it needs to open up to multiple conceptual linkages and innovative methods considering and incorporating various levels of analysis in theory, measurement, data analysis as well as interpretation. This also implies first-, second- and third-person perspectives (singular and plural forms) with each of their inherent methodologies or modes of inquiry.
In a similar way as meta-triangulation, an integral orientation may help theorists of communication and leadership research to gain a reflexive appreciation of possible knowledge and reduce their commitment to a favoured and “provincial” point of view.
Accordingly a meta-theoretical and integral approach facilitates a shift from a narrowed approach towards a richer, multi-dimensional and interrelated theory building and critical reflexivity, offering a greater explanatory and interpretative potential. In addition to benefits and possibilities of crossing disciplinary boundaries, also some limitations and problems of inter- and transdisciplinary research are discussed.
