Van Maanen, J. (1995) Style as theory. Organizational Science, 6:133-143.

Van Maanen attacks Pfeffers view that organizational science should become more paradigmatic and focused to survive.

He sees language as often coming before awareness. Concepts that are language based (like most theories) thus become relative, not absolute. Staking out a theoretical position is a rhetorical act.

Our current problem is over-embracing scientific principles in understaning organizations. Our writing is a nonstyle that values limited metaphor, simplicity, and precision. Our writing is a performance with a persuasive aim. Putting theory into print is a literary performance.

Karl Weick
Much of the scholarly appeal of Karl's work is in his style. He employs allegory and breaching. He uses the essay form more linked to art than science. His style is different than traditional writing with its endless summaries of past research and standard formats. He uses "I" in his essays. He doesn't thrust out theories but submits them subtlely for consideration. which heightens it persuasiveness.

Weick is more indirect and contemplates all angles before defining conclusions. His points are not in logical order. It seems that his writing style is more in line with how we readers come to grips with the world and theory ourselves.

Weick also likes to take two logical opposites and show how they can be true at the same time. For example, the more knowledge in an organizations the more ingorance among them.

He also uses repetition rather than unassailable logic to show how an idea can work under many different situations.

Theory in Context
Van Maanen is appalled at how unimaginative much of organizational theory is. We try to render organizations safe for science. The language we use to theorize about organizations is part of the problem. The more we try to be precise and exact, the less we are able to say.

We should be more conversational in communicating our theories, and less debateful. The most crucial questions are actually how we carry on our work with each other. How can we increase the chances we can learn from one another. We must be willing to listen with respect.