Post-structuralism and the Zero Degree of Organization: implications for Organizational Studies

Abstract

The present study addresses the epistemological position of post-structuralism in Organizational Studies (OS), which goes against post-modernism and structuralism, and sheds light on its significant methodological implications. The research deepens into ambiguity to differentiate poststructuralism from post-modernism by highlighting post-structuralism’s epistemological rupture with structuralism. Scarcity of structuralism references in post-structuralist analyses is pointed out as key element in the literature. Post-structuralism epistemological peculiarity was disclosed by applying the concept of 'zero degree' by Deleuze and Cooper, and it was done by underlining its relevance at OS scope. The article also identifies and discusses emerging topics in this field by providing guidelines for future research. This analysis substantially helps improving organizational
studies by providing important insights into these complex approaches. This statement is particularly relevant for the Brazilian context, where post-structuralism-based empirical research remains in its early stages and seeks to consolidate its legitimacy.