Organisational Identity and Self-Transformation : An Autopoietic Perspective

David Seidl brings together two important issues in organization and management studies in this volume: the concept and related theory of organizational identity, and autopoietic organization theory (as originally developed by Niklas Luhmann). The contribution of the book is twofold: it provides an introduction to autopoietic organization theory and it provides a new perspective on organizational identity and self-transformation. Thus the book is relevant to both organization theorists interested in new approaches to organization and to researchers of organizational identity. The themes are reflected in the structure of the book. Chapters one and two provide an introduction to Niklas Luhmann's organization theory. Based on this, chapter three develops a new concept of organizational identity. In chapters four and five a theory of organizational self-transformation (i.e. change of identity) is developed. This Book Brings Together Two Important Issues In Organisation And Management Studies: The Concept And Related Theory Of Organisational Identity And Autopoietic Organisation Theory (as Originally Developed By Niklas Luhmann). The Contribution Of The Book Is Twofold: It Provides An Introduction To Autopoietic Organisation Theory And It Provides A New Perspective On Organisational Identity And Self-transformation. Thus The Book Is Relevant To Both Organisation Theorists Interested In New Approaches To Organisation And To Researchers Of Organisational Identity.--jacket. Foreword / Robert Cooper -- Ch. 1. Autopoiesis, Luhmann, Spencer Brown -- Ch. 2. Organisation As Autopoietic System -- Ch. 3. Organisational Identity -- Ch. 4. The Logic Of Self-transformation -- Ch. 5. An Evolutionary Model Of Self-transformation -- Conclusion : The Distinctions Of The Study. David Seidl. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [165]-184) And Index. David Seidl brings together two important issues in organisation and management studies in this volume: the concept and related theory of organisational identity, and autopoietic organisation theory (as originally developed by Niklas Luhmann). The contribution of the book is twofold: it provides an introduction to autopoietic organisation theory and it provides a new perspective on organisational identity and self-transformation. Thus the book is relevant to both organisation theorists interested in new approaches to organisation and to researchers of organisational identity. The themes are reflected in the structure of the book. The chapters one and two provide an introduction to Niklas Luhmann's organisation theory. Based on this, chapter three develops a new concept of organisational identity. In chapters four and five a theory of organisational self-transformation (i.e. change of identity) is developed Under the title of 'new systems theory' the last decades have seen the development of a host of promising concepts, which propagate a radical departure from our current understanding of the world.