Introduction: The Spatial Turn in Organizational Studies

Abstract

'Space and spatiality have been "present absentees" of organization studies for decades. Since the early days they figured prominently in studies of organizations yet important conceptualization of their nature and import has not been begun since recently. Improved understanding of contemporary management and organization cannot circumvent a more profound questioning of space and spatiality. An important stepping-stone in that work is to do away with the assumption of separation between a space "out there" and actors' experience "in here". The papers in this volume represent such a break by showing us how space may become not just embedded, but also embodied in a range of different settings. The volume thus contributes importantly towards a badly needed yet historically neglected area of organization and management.'