ABSTRACT

This chapter explores John Dewey's contribution to organizational theory through the consideration of his written works and his activism. It introduces the concept of the public', which necessarily exists in tension with formal organizations. The chapter explores the democratic core of pragmatist organizational theory as well as the emphasis on experimentation. It contrasts Deweyan pragmatism with organizational behavior contingency theories which superficially resemble pragmatism. The chapter turns to two forms of pragmatism in action: a brief history of activist groups Dewey helped form in pursuit of pragmatist social change and an analysis of the related notions of social invention and social entrepreneurship. It places Dewey in the context of important debates with such individuals as Leon Trotsky and Edward Filene, in order to illuminate pragmatism in action. The author argument here relies, in part, on my earlier thoughts published in Collective Bargaining as an Instrument of Social Change.