SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM: ORIGINS, ASSUMPTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO ORGANIZATIONAL STUDIES

Authors

  • Virgínia Donizete de Carvalho Universidade Federal de Alfenas – Varginha/MG –

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.13058/raep.2011.v12n4.140

Keywords:

symbolic interactionism, theoretical assumptions, methodological perspectives, organizational studies.

Abstract

This paper presents a theoretical review of the symbolic interactionist perspective, revisiting its roots, consolidation, main assumptions and how it can contribute to the field of organizational studies. The concepts from some of acknowledged pioneers of this approach are examined and the initial landmarks heralding the consolidation of the symbolic interactionism movement are addressed. Furthermore, conceptual and methodological divergences between the Chicago and Iowa schools are discussed, as are the primary critiques of this theoretical perspective. It is assumed that symbolic interactionism represents a potential to understand different aspects of organizational life, complementing other theoretical perspectives generally used in this field of studies. To illustrate this potential, the paper cites a number of issues in organizational studies that have been addressed from the symbolic interactionist perspective, and comments on methodological aspects related to the accomplishment of its main assumptions. Finally, it emphasizes that researchers must be aware of the limitations of the interactionist approach in order to use it appropriately.

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Author Biography

Virgínia Donizete de Carvalho, Universidade Federal de Alfenas – Varginha/MG –

Doutora em Psicologia Social pela UFRN
Áreas de interesse em pesquisa: Cultura, valores e organizações, Fatores humanos no trabalho.

Published

2011-12-31

How to Cite

Carvalho, V. D. de. (2011). SYMBOLIC INTERACTIONISM: ORIGINS, ASSUMPTIONS AND CONTRIBUTIONS TO ORGANIZATIONAL STUDIES. Administração: Ensino E Pesquisa, 12(4), 583–607. https://doi.org/10.13058/raep.2011.v12n4.140