Interpretivism and Sensemaking

The course aims to provide an in-depth, comprehensive understanding of the main theoretical foundations and central current debates in organisation studies using symbolic interpretivism and sensemaking lenses. It introduces participants to foundational theories positing that examining organisational phenomena through the subjective and interactive interpretations and meanings constructed by individuals within their contextualised experiences provides insights beyond more traditional behavioural approaches. Drawing from symbolic-interpretive anthropology (Geertz, 1973), symbolic interactionism (Goffman, 1959) and social constructionism (Berger & Luckman, 1966), this view gained prominence in organisation studies following foundational works by authors such as Van Maanen and Weick. These works propose the idea that organisations are interpretation systems where symbols, meanings and interactions shape individuals’ daily enactment of reality. This perspective remains influential today, offering a non-normative and often processual understanding of organisational phenomena, including organising, organisational and cultural change, managerial cognition, coordination, identity construction, and communication. The course examines the theoretical-epistemological assumptions of this perspective and its empirical applications across various contexts, covering both foundational works and recent developments. Furthermore, the course will support the development of participants’ academic skills by emphasising the following objectives: 1) Enhancing skills in identifying and conceptualising key issues and problems through the application of specific theoretical frameworks. 2) Improving skills in critically analysing ideas and effectively articulating them verbally and in writing. 3) Cultivating the ability to pose significant questions and develop viable research approaches. 4) Fostering the generation of ideas for participants' own scholarly pursuits. 5) Enhancing academic expression, exposition, and writing proficiency.

Course leader

Prof. Kevin G. Corley, Department of Management & Entrepreneurship, Imperial College Business School in London & Dr. Alessandra Zamparini Institute of Marketing and Communication Management, Università della Svizzera italiana

Target group

The course is organised in the logic of a doctoral course, providing opportunities to grasp and discuss the key discourses and sensitising distinctions of a specific theoretical approach and/or research domain. It is also open to PostDocs who can benefit from such a foundational course.

Course aim

Teaching approach and evaluation The teaching format will be blended, incorporating both in-person and online modules (refer to the detailed plan for specifics). Each module will consist of class discussion sessions moderated by lecturers and co-led by participants, as well as presentations and discussions of students’ research projects. Below are the details of each activity and the course evaluation criteria. Class participation (50% of final evaluation). Reading the required readings (approximately three readings per module, please refer to the preliminary reading list below). The complete list of readings for each module will be provided in the summer. Be prepared to delve into the main theoretical statements thoroughly, and critically discuss and evaluate empirical studies based on the theories covered. Preparing 1-page “summary memos” on each module’s readings before our discussion sessions (to be submitted the night before each module). Leading and moderating one discussion session with instructors. A detailed plan will be distributed after compiling the full list of participants and prior to the start of the course. Individual paper (50% of final evaluation) Each student will be required to write a final individual paper (5000 words max. plus references). The paper should focus on presenting their PhD project or one of the papers from a cumulative dissertation. It must explicitly connect to the theoretical approach covered in the course and incorporate specific references to one or more texts from the course literature. Evaluation of this component includes an individual presentation of the key ideas of the final paper in progress during the course. This presentation aims to stimulate class discussion on the application of this theoretical perspective to various phenomena and gather constructive feedback from both instructors and participants before the final submission.