1 1 Discourse Perspectives on Competence in Organizations Tom Van Hout, Katja Pelsmaekers, Priscilla Heynderickx and Craig Rollo In their review of organizational discourse research, Grant and Iedema (2005) distinguish between two traditions: organizational discourse stud- ies and organizational discourse analysis. The former is rooted in manage- ment and organization theory, the latter derives from work in theoretical and applied linguistics. While both traditions share an interest in the com- plexities of institutional life and in the application of discourse analysis to grasp those complexities, the authors note a lack of cross-fertilization between the two traditions. Acting on this observation, Grant and Iedema map the scientific conversations that are taking place in the organiza- tional discourse studies literature. The authors carve up the organizational discourse studies literature using five binary dimensions. The first dimension contrasts studies that prioritize theoretical discussions about abstract organizational principles with studies that privilege empirical data to make claims about discourse processes, practices and patterns. The second dimension involves analytical scope and distinguishes between work that takes a monomodal approach to meaning (e.g. the role of language in organizations) and studies which see meaning as a multimodal phenomenon (e.g. human–computer inter- action). The third dimension contrasts organizational discourse research that analyses discourse as observable, patterned behaviour with studies that highlight discourse as a site for engendering organizational change and innovation. The fourth dimension draws a line between the idea that human thought determines discourse (discourse as cognition) and the notion that discourse indexes ways of doing and saying (discourse as social practice). Grant and Iedema’s fifth and final dimension dis- cerns between critical and interventionist research. The former applies discourse analysis to critique forms of organizational power while the 9780230282636_02_cha01.indd 1 9780230282636_02_cha01.indd 1 1/6/2011 1:31:17 PM 1/6/2011 1:31:17 PM This file is to be used only for a purpose specified by Palgrave Macmillan, such as checking proofs, preparing an index, reviewing, endorsing or planning coursework/other institutional needs. You may store and print the file and share it with others helping you with the specified purpose, but under no circumstances may the file be distributed or otherwise made accessible to any other third parties without the express prior permission of Palgrave Macmillan. Please contact rights@palgrave.com if you have any queries regarding use of the file. PROOF