Parker (1995a) asks a fundamental question begged by the postmodern su
spicion of modernist metanarratives: 'Critique in the Name of What?' H
is discussion of this issue, in which a self-consciously ethical commi
tment is advocated, is used in this paper as a springboard for further
reflection upon the possibility of making the articulation and pursui
t of ethico-political concerns central to the production of knowledge
about organizing and organizations. Parker favours a humanist orientat
ion, which respondents to his paper persuasively criticize for its vol
untarism and subjectivism. In contrast, I commend a post-humanist (not
anti-humanist) approach which suggests a way of retaining Parker's et
hico-politico commitment without falling foul of the problems identifi
ed by his critics.