James March: a postmodern perspective on organization without management theory

Purpose In this paper, the authors look back at James March’s main contributions to evolution of organizations and their decision-making. No other author in management science has been quoted as much. Yet, his view on these issues is often far removed from dominant academic representations. This paper aims evaluate trace left by March for future. His teachings remain utmost importance both practitioners academics charge modeling real functioning organizations. Design/methodology/approach Findings On basis an in-depth analysis study, discuss concepts which he dedicated life a researcher. Whether it innovation process exploration associated with or ambiguity that persists learning cycles, always shows us ambivalence concepts. The strength study encourage cautious diagnoses development companies not venerating too strongly notions seen exclusively virtuous, such quickly condemning situations perceived harmful, ambiguity. It is, therefore, subjective unpredictable, making idea unified theory inoperative (Joullié, 2018). way thinking deeply postmodern sense Foucault (1961), who saw world representation. Research limitations/implications For kind based study’s survey, limitation variety research methodology mobilized. Empirical confirmation sometimes missing short. remains essentially speculative its influence future research. Some concepts, concept effectuation, direct extension deserve be tested empirically theoretically greater depth assess robustness. Practical implications All managerial are concerned organizational change. Social Providing guideline concerning A better understanding how decisions happen companies, they change world. Originality/value show that, contrary great paradigms sciences (Burrell Morgan, 1979) developed since Taylor’s founding performative essence, initiates viscerally vision organization. believe essential because normative attempt propose universal but provide compass organization study.