The roots of uncertainty in organization theory: A historical constructivist analysis

This study examines the rise of discourse on uncertainty in organization th eory during the period 1879-1932. it offers qualitative analyses that art: based on primary data collected from the American Machinist and the Enginee ring Magazine, central sources of documentation of management during this p eriod. Introducing a social-constructivist approach to the empirical study of organizations, we argue thar discourse on 'uncertainry' has its roots in the technical sphere of industrial America. With time, elements of the con cept were 'translated' (metaphors, analogies, and paradigms) from the techn ical field to the management of organizations, thereby creating homologies between previously unrelated en titles. Furthermore, claims to organization al reality depend, not only on metaphors and analogies borrowed from the te chnical realm, but also on the presence of an enabling social contest. In t his study, the contest consists of (a) a network of mechanical engineers wh ich diffused the concept, (b) the cultural spirit of the Progressive Era, a nd (c) the politics of labor unrest. We argue that the concept of uncertain ty may be regarded as socially constructed knowledge that tvas created in a unique historical contest and enacted by organizational actors and managem ent theorists. The implications of this approach for contemporary organizat ion theory are discussed.