Regarding Technology and Organization: Essays in Honour of Joan Woodward

摘要

Few scholars in organization theory are likely to have eluded the classic reference Woodward (1965) or its more or less synonymous variant Woodward (1958). Many of us have used it, often even diligently. Fewer of us have actually read the work in question. This however, as we may assume with blushing cheeks, is not specific or unusual for the average academic in any random field. Whether we have read the original work or not, the importance of Joan Woodward's contribution to the field of organization theory can hardly be overestimated. With little hesitation it can be argued that Joan Woodward introduced technology among scholars of organization and organizing and the reference (Woodward, 1958, 1965) has become an iconic beacon of Technology studies. From here, it is not surprising although slightly late that we see a book contemplating the Woodwardian legacy.