Performative narrative and actor-network theory – a study of a hotel in administration

Abstract

Purpose

This study aims to weave together narrative analysis (hereinafter NA) and Actor-Network Theory (hereinafter ANT), in order to address recent calls for performative studies to combine approaches and specifically to use ANT. Particularly, they address how a conflicting narrative is mobilised through a network of internal–external and human–nonhuman actors.

Design/methodology/approach

A fragment of data, generated from a longitudinal case study, is explored using NA and ANT in combination.

Findings

By engaging with ANT’s rejection of dualisms (i.e. human–nonhuman and micro–macro) and its approach to relationality, the authors inform NA and performative studies. They also add to the limited literature addressing how conflicting antenarratives are mobilised and shape the organisation’s trajectory.

Research limitations/implications

Generalizing from a single case study is problematic, although transferability is possible. Generalisability could be achievable through multiple performative studies.

Practical/implications

By demonstrating how counter networks form and antenarrative is constructed to supplant hegemonic narrative, the authors are able to problematise the taken for granted and highlight the possibilities offered by divergent voices.

Originality/value

The performation provides a deeper understanding of organisational performance through our NA-ANT combination, and the authors provide insight into the mobilisation of conflicting narratives in organisation studies.

Citation

Vickers, D.A., Moore, A. and Vickers, L. (2018), "Performative narrative and actor-network theory – a study of a hotel in administration", International Journal of Organizational Analysis, Vol. 26 No. 5, pp. 972-983. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJOA-03-2018-1385