Can postmodernism contribute to saving the world?

GILLIGAN, Christine (2012). Can postmodernism contribute to saving the world? In: MCCLEAN, Rachel, (ed.) ECRM 2012 Proceedings of the 11th European Conference on Research Methodology for Business and Management Studies, Bolton, UK. Reading, Academic Publishing International Limited, 461-469.

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Abstract

As human beings, our future sustainability could be under threat if we continue to ‘trash the planet’. Sustainable development, suggested as a way of addressing the environmental, economic and social problems ahead, has fundamental implications for the governance of modern society. In a complex system, such as the Earth, linear analysis and rational planning are no longer considered appropriate, and new ways of understanding change are needed. Post modernism offers an alternative approach and a different way of perceiving the world and its problems. It is however, criticised as almost useless because its plurality of competing dialogues is said to undermine the basis for meaningful change. Revisionary post modernism may provide a way forward. This paper examines a theoretical approach to exploring discourses around sustainable development in non environmental, voluntary organisations using revisionary post modernism, based on a belief that in complex systems small changes can bring about major change and that voluntary organisations, working at a local level, can bring about change in their communities. It highlights how a post modern approach could contribute to securing a more sustainable future, by helping us understand the importance of local narratives in co-creating the future.

Item Type:	Book Section
Additional Information:	Paper presented at 11th European Conference on Research Methodology for Business, Bolton, UK, 28-29 June 2012.
Research Institute, Centre or Group - Does NOT include content added after October 2018:	Sheffield Business School Research Institute > People, Work and Organisation
Departments - Does NOT include content added after October 2018:	Sheffield Business School > Department of Management
Page Range:	461-469
Depositing User:	Christine Gilligan
Date Deposited:	31 Oct 2014 11:41
Last Modified:	18 Mar 2021 14:31
URI:	https://shura.shu.ac.uk/id/eprint/8543

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