Strategy-as-Practice Perspective from Intersubjective Knowledge Problematic a Philosophical Rationale

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the philosophical rationale behind a study of the strategy work of organizational practitioners from a Strategy-As-Practice (SAP) perspective using the inter-subjectivity knowledge problematic. The paper is based on a general review of literature on the Strategy-As-Practice perspective, practices, and the Intersubjective Knowledge Problematic. It was identified that the ontological assumptions and epistemological stances within the Intersubjective Knowledge Problematic can be incorporated into a study with the SAP perspective with the focus on micro-level practices in strategizing since the nature of those practices are compatible with the above assumptions and stances. The paper only focused on the ontological assumptions and epistemological stances, though the methodological and ethical considerations are needed for the comprehensive presentation of a philosophical rationale. At present, even though intersubjectivity is considered an alternative research methodology within qualitative research, it is not a popular paradigm. Yet, it is relatively easy to study emergent intersubjective phenomena like strategy work with intersubjective knowledge paradigm where actions, interactions, and negotiations of multiple organizational actors are inevitable.