Despite the Great Recession, slightly different forms of global capitalism are still portrayed as the only game in town by the vast majority of people in power in the world today. Unbridled growth, trade liberalisation, and competition are advocated as the only or best ways of organizing the contemporary world. Unemployment, yawning gaps between rich and poor, political disengagement, and environmental devastation are too often seen as acceptable 'side effects' of the dominance of neo-liberalism.

But the reality is that capitalism has always been contested and that people have created many other ways of providing for themselves. This book explores economic and organizational possibilities which extend far beyond the narrow imagination of economists and management theorists. Chapters on co-operatives, community currencies, the transition movement, scrounging, co-housing and much more paints a rich picture of the ways in which another word is not only possible, but already taking shape. The aim of this companion is to move beyond complaining about the present and into exploring this diversity of organisational possibilities. Our starting point is a critical analysis of contemporary global capitalism is merely the opening for thinking about organizing as a form of politics by other means, and one that can be driven by the values of solidarity, freedom and responsibility.

This comprehensive companion with an international cast of contributors gives voice to forms of organizing which remain unrepresented or marginalised in organizational studies and conventional politics, yet which offer more promising grounds for social and environmental justice. It is a valuable resource for students, activists and researchers interested in alternative approaches to economy and society in a variety of disciplinary and interdisciplinary fields.

About the Author

Martin Parker is Professor at the School of Management, University of Leicester, UK

George Cheney is Professor of Communication Studies and Coordinator of Doctoral Education in Communication and Information at Kent State University, Ohio, USA

Valerie Fournier is Senior Lecturer in Organization Studies at Leicester University, UK

Chris Land is Senior Lecturer in Work and Organisation at the University of Essex, UK

Reviews

A formidable achievement which makes an important contribution both to public debate and to a range of academic disciplines. The variety and richness of ways of organizing has become almost invisible in recent political, economic and managerial discourse. This timely collection of essays serves as a reminder and a rallying call for those seeking to create or revive alternatives to the stifling and discredited orthodoxy of conventional organizations.

Christopher Grey, Professor of Organization Studies, Royal Holloway, University of London.

Parker, Cheney, Fournier and Land have put together an excellent collection, and added an analysis on the ability of these important forms in achieving organizational effectiveness as well as their struggle to achieve the ideals of social and environmental justice. The book would complement the reading lists for business courses in organizational behavior, organization theory, or organizational change. It would also be a benefit for anyone teaching advanced courses in economics, sociology, or public administration.

John T. Luhman, Eastern New Mexico University, USA

What a wonderfully tonic set of essays about the alternatives to capitalism taking shape all around us! Authors from across the globe discuss an astoundingly rich array of alternatives, from coops in Argentina to voluntary simplicity, from credit unions to eco-localism. If you had any doubt that another world is possible, read this and be challenged!

Paul Adler, USC Marshall School of Business, Los Angeles, USA

Book Information
ISBN 9781138386174
Author Martin Parker
Format Paperback
Page Count 386
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 471g