Sturdy, Andrew and Wright, Christopher (Christopher Alec). (2008) A consulting diaspora? Enterprising selves as agents of enterprise. Organization, Vol.15 (No.3). pp. 427-444. ISSN 1350-5084

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Abstract

While the concept of enterprise identity has been extensively discussed, the active role of individuals in promoting enterprise is less understood. This article presents enterprising selves not simply as a self-disciplinary outcome of power, but as agential, whereby actors support regimes of enterprise, either actively or symbolically. In particular, it explores a neglected group-former management consultants working as change agents within organizations. This 'consulting diaspora' is appointed on the basis of the prestige of their former occupation, as well as their enthusiasm for, and skills in, change management. They also embody enterprise through their 'personal brand' in the labour market and an anti-bureaucratic, pro-change orientation. However, these characteristics, combined with the perishability of their status, limit the ability of these actors to embed enterprise. Rather, it is through the loss of their novel, enterprising appearance-'going native'-that change is reinforced. Thus, paradoxically, their enterprising nature runs counter to the adoption of techniques of enterprise. This has implications for our understanding of enterprise as organizational change, as well as the promotion of management ideas more generally.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management
Divisions:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Warwick Business School > Industrial Relations & Organisational Behaviour Faculty of Social Sciences > Warwick Business School
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Business consultants, Organizational change, Business enterprises
Journal or Publication Title:	Organization
Publisher:	Sage Publications Ltd.
ISSN:	1350-5084
Date:	May 2008
Volume:	Vol.15
Number:	No.3
Number of Pages:	18
Page Range:	pp. 427-444
Identification Number:	10.1177/1350508408088538
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Restricted or Subscription Access
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URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/30057

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