Performativity in place of responsibility?

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to question the common conviction that responsibility is the major factor influencing performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper takes the form of a comparison of two recent cases of ecological catastrophes.

Findings

In emergency situations, locating parties able to perform gives better results than establishing responsibility for the accident.

Research limitations/implications

More similar cases should be examined systematically.

Practical implications

If the conclusions are accepted, the conventional mode of acting in emergencies may change.

Social implications

Hopefully, the paper may redirect attention from responsibility to performativity.

Originality/value

The paper opposes a commonly accepted belief and the corresponding mode of acting.

Citation

Czarniawska, B. (2011), "Performativity in place of responsibility?", Journal of Organizational Change Management, Vol. 24 No. 6, pp. 823-829. https://doi.org/10.1108/09534811111175779