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Towards a performative theory of resistance: Senior managers and revolting subject(ivitie)s

Harding, N.; Ford, J.; Lee, H.

Towards a performative theory of resistance: Senior managers and revolting subject(ivitie)s Thumbnail


Authors

N. Harding

H. Lee



Abstract

This article develops a performative theory of resistance. It uses Judith Butler’s and Karen Barad’s theories of performativity to explore how resistance (to organizational strategies and policies) and resistants (those who resist such strategies and policies) co-emerge, within and through complex intra-actions of entangled discourses, materialities, affect and space/time. The article uses empirical materials from a case study of the implementation of a talent management strategy. We analyse interviews with the senior managers charged with implementing the strategy, the influence of material, non-sentient actors, and the experiences of the researchers when carrying out the interviews. This leads to a theory that resistance and resistants emerge in moment-to-moment co-constitutive moves that may be invoked when identity or self is put in jeopardy. Resistance, we suggest, is the power (residing with resistants) to say ‘no’ to organizational requirements that would otherwise threaten to render the self abject.

Citation

Harding, N., Ford, J., & Lee, H. (2017). Towards a performative theory of resistance: Senior managers and revolting subject(ivitie)s. Organization Studies, 38(9), 1209-1232. https://doi.org/10.1177/0170840616685360

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Aug 14, 2016
Online Publication Date Feb 2, 2017
Publication Date Sep 1, 2017
Deposit Date Sep 12, 2017
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal Organization Studies
Print ISSN 0170-8406
Electronic ISSN 1741-3044
Publisher SAGE Publications
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 38
Issue 9
Pages 1209-1232
DOI https://doi.org/10.1177/0170840616685360
Public URL https://durham-repository.worktribe.com/output/1376643
Related Public URLs https://bradscholars.brad.ac.uk/handle/10454/8820

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Accepted Journal Article (629 Kb)
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Copyright Statement
Harding, N., Ford, J. & Lee, H. (2017). Towards a performative theory of resistance: Senior managers and revolting subject(ivitie)s. Organization Studies 38(9): 1209-1232. Copyright © The Author(s) 2017. Reprinted by permission of SAGE Publications.




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