Co-constructing meanings in organizational development

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Published: Apr 6, 2017
Updated: 2017-04-06
DOI: https://doi.org/10.18844/prosoc.v2i6.1440

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Alexandra Galbin
Alexandru Ioan Cuza University of Iasi, 11 Carol I Boulevard, Iasi, 700506, Romania

Abstract

The paper adopts a social constructionist perspective to explore how organization is emerging through meanings constructed. In this context organization becomes meaningful as a result of the interaction between its members. A significant metaphor dealing how sense is made in organization is sensemaking. Starting with a brief literature review on this remarkable metaphor the purpose of paper is to emphasize the potential influence of sensemaking in organizational development, specifically on changing process, decision making, and emotions. Sensemaking pays attention to conversations' context, and introduces fresh ideas for meaning making associated with the experience of interacting with others. A key element in this ongoing process is language used in organization allowing the accomplishment of other new interpretations and possibilities to discover effective practices for organizational development. Finally, the paper suggests some further directions emphasizing the reflection of self relational in constructing meanings as a predictable way for organizational knowledge, learning and change.

 

 

Keywords: co-constructing; emergence; ongoing process;  sensemaking;  social constructionism

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How to Cite
Galbin, A. (2017). Co-constructing meanings in organizational development. New Trends and Issues Proceedings on Humanities and Social Sciences, 2(6), 96–102. https://doi.org/10.18844/prosoc.v2i6.1440
Issue
Vol. 2 No. 6 (2016): Selected Papers of 4th World Conference on Psychology and Sociology (PSYSOC 2015)
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Articles
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