Talking About Organizations Podcast

In Part 2 of our episode on Gieryn’s 1983 article “Boundary-Work and the Demarcation of Science from non-Science,” we review the main points in the context of contemporary tensions over society’s growing distrust of scientists and rejection of science. What factors may be contributing to this trend after so many decades where scientists have been considered noble individual or science considered an inherently good thing? What might be necessary to stem or reverse such trends?

We continue our series of discussions on the sociology of science and cover a seminal article that is commonly found as required reading in doctoral programs -- Thomas Gieryn’s 1983 article “Boundary-Work and the Demarcation of Science from non-Science” from the American Sociological Review. This commentary draws from three different historical case studies to explore where the boundary is between what is or should be considered science or the autonomy granted to scientists and what is considered other forms of intellectual pursuit. In Part 1, we explore the cases that involve competition between the world of science and those of religion and engineering, of true science vs. pseudo-science, and of scientific openness and collaboration vs. national security and commensurate need for secrecy.

Coming soon! Our next episode features a 1983 article from Thomas Gieryn that discusses how the “boundary work” of scientists and others science contributes to a broader understanding of where science is separated from non-science or pseudo-science and scientists navigate the gap between their individual autonomy and the constraints placed on them by others such as government leaders. Through historical cases, Gieryn explores the contested spaces surrounding science and why the boundary will likely never be clear.

They carry Perrow’s framework into the 21st century and probe risks in modern IT systems and Y2K-era fears. They debate whether organizational fixes or societal policy choices can curb high-risk accidents. They examine automation pitfalls, secrecy’s role in complexity, and how public pushback and legal responses shape who pays for disasters.

A lively dive into Charles Perrow’s idea that complex, tightly coupled systems are prone to cascading failures. They trace accidents across nuclear, maritime, aerospace and petrochemical industries. Discussion covers how safety additions can create new risks, production pressures that worsen coupling, and a diagnostic framework for analyzing system breakdowns.

A look at why some technologies stay accident-prone despite safety efforts. Discussion of complexity and tight coupling as drivers of cascading failures. Examination of industries where risks concentrate, from nuclear to chemical. Exploration of how added safety measures and operator responses can unintentionally increase danger.

They revisit Mintzberg's critique of rigid strategic planning and explore why old planning systems still fail. The conversation contrasts formal risk tables with true uncertainty and the challenges of rapid change like AI. They unpack how intended visions and emergent learning combine, and why glossy strategy often signals intent while practical plans manage day-to-day work.

A revisit of Henry Mintzberg’s ideas on strategy as emerging patterns and not just plans. A critique of formal strategic planning and its three core fallacies. Discussion of research methods favoring small, context-rich case studies and mixed methods. Thoughts on reframing planning as ongoing programming, budgeting for emergent needs, and strategy as vision plus continuous course corrections.

A deep dive into Henry Mintzberg’s critiques of strategic planning. They explore why planning often fails and common fallacies like predetermination, detachment, and formalization. The conversation examines the consequences of a measurement-obsessed approach. They conclude by outlining a more iterative, practice-centered way to do strategy and design.

Anthony Myers, scholar of care theory who focuses on building communities and advisor relationships. Jonas Friedrich, researcher of creativity and queer-informed pedagogy who explores sensory, performance-based teaching and failing forward. Mika Rajanov, qualitative researcher blending tech and activism who crafts research identity. Lauren Kaufman, ethics professor who teaches presenting with presence and authenticity. They discuss presenting, pedagogy, research identity, care, and recognition.