Making Space: Valuing Our Talk in Organizations

Abstract

ABSTRACTThis paper argues for a re-consideration of the value of process, here represented by the talk of organizational actors. It argues that the talk between organizational actors is an under-valued organization resource that presently in most organizations is allowed to slip way into obscurity because of its evanescent qualities. It argues this represents an unacceptable loss of a vital layer of organizational knowing, and illustrates this through the utilization of two contrasting case incidents. Accordingly, the paper discusses the potential of re-presenting talk as a means to prise open the space-between-words, and despite the limitations of contextual relevance, suggests these reflexive opportunities will develop deeper, richer and more novel interpretations of knowing.