Open Access‘Open Purpose’: Embracing Organizations as Expressive Systems
Author(s) -
Stewart Clegg,
Miguel Piña e Cunha,
Arménio Rego,
Filipe Santos
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
organization theory
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2631-7877
DOI - 10.1177/26317877211054860
Subject(s) - sketch , meaning (existential) , sociology , epistemology , stakeholder , knowledge management , public relations , computer science , political science , philosophy , algorithm
The concept of purpose gained prominence in organization theory in recent years but there are discrepant views of its meaning, which we review as evolving and different perspectives: economic theories of the firm; stakeholder approaches; integrative social contracts; and social mission. We elaborate these perspectives in terms of the ebb and flow of ideas and eras. Against these instrumental views, we revisit the work of Robert Cooper, namely the ever-open purpose of expressive organizations, and contrast this with fixist views of purpose in instrumental organizations. We engage with the logic of open purpose and sketch a way of rethinking purpose as a general orientation that constantly evolves and changes over time in interaction with its ecosystem.