Journal article
A theoretical and analytical synthesis of autopoiesis and sociolinguistics for the study of organisational communication
Social Semiotics, Vol.10(1), pp.41-59
2000
Abstract
The purpose of this paper is threefold. First, we propose a systemic view of communication based in autopoiesis, the theory of living systems formulated by Maturana & Varela (1980, 1987). Second, we show the links between the underpinning assumptions of autopoiesis and the sociolinguistic approaches of Halliday (1978), Fairclough (1989, 1992, 1995) and Lemke (1995, 1994). Third, we propose a theoretical and analytical synthesis of autopoiesis and sociolinguistics for the study of organisational communication. In proposing a systemic theory for organisational communication, we argue that traditional approaches to communication, information, and the role of language in human organisations have, to date, been placed in teleological constraints because of an inverted focus on organisational purpose-the generally perceived role of an organisation within society-that obscure, rather than clarify, the role of language within human organisations. We argue that human social systems are, according to the criteria defined by Maturana and Varela, third-order, non-organismic living systems constituted in language. We further propose that sociolinguistics provides an appropriate analytical tool which is both compatible and penetrating in synthesis with the systemic framework provided by an autopoietic understanding of social organisation. © 2000 Taylor & Francis Ltd.
Details
- Title
- A theoretical and analytical synthesis of autopoiesis and sociolinguistics for the study of organisational communication
- Authors
- Philip Graham (Author)Bernard McKenna (Author)
- Publication details
- Social Semiotics, Vol.10(1), pp.41-59
- Publisher
- Routledge
- Date published
- 2000
- DOI
- 10.1080/103503300114540
- ISSN
- 1035-0330
- Copyright note
- Copyright © 2000 The Authors. This is an Author's Accepted Manuscript of an article published in Social Semiotics 2000, available online: http://www.tandfonline.com/10.1080/103503300114540
- Organisation Unit
- Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic); University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Creative Industries - Legacy
- Language
- English
- Record Identifier
- 99450559702621
- Output Type
- Journal article
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