Allen, S. (2022) Exploring relations of power in Quakers alternative forms of organizing. In: Godwyn, M., (ed.) Research Handbook on the Sociology of Organizations. Research Handbooks in Sociology (822). Edward Elgar , Cheltenham, UK , pp. 491-508. ISBN 9781839103254
Abstract
In this chapter I consider relations of power in Quakers’ alternative (i.e. non-hierarchical, non-managerialist and non-capitalist) forms of organizing. The overriding principle in Quaker organizing is that nobody is ‘in charge’, which includes processes of roles being rotated every three years, and formal procedures for collective decision making. By taking a relational perspective to power to appreciate social and material interactions, I explore how three different views on power can help to develop understanding of how things get done within Quaker organizing. My analysis is based on personal involvement with two local groups, undertaking interviews with twenty Quakers in the North of England, and most recently completing half-day workshops exploring leadership and influence with eight local groups across Britain. I offer insights about how to consider relations of power within this alternative form of organizing, in particular drawing upon and developing ideas of presence and absence.
Metadata
Item Type: | Book Section |
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Authors/Creators: |
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Editors: |
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Copyright, Publisher and Additional Information: | © 2022 Mary Godwyn. This is an author-produced version of a chapter subsequently published in the Research Handbook on the Sociology of Organizations. Uploaded in accordance with the publisher's self-archiving policy. |
Keywords: | power; alternative organization; presence; relational; leadership; absence |
Dates: |
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Institution: | The University of Sheffield |
Academic Units: | The University of Sheffield > Faculty of Social Sciences (Sheffield) > Management School (Sheffield) |
Depositing User: | Symplectic Sheffield |
Date Deposited: | 14 Jul 2022 10:25 |
Last Modified: | 10 Dec 2022 01:13 |
Status: | Published |
Publisher: | Edward Elgar |
Series Name: | Research Handbooks in Sociology |
Refereed: | Yes |
Identification Number: | 10.4337/9781839103261.00038 |
Open Archives Initiative ID (OAI ID): | oai:eprints.whiterose.ac.uk:188956 |