In this English translation, Czarniawska (management studies, U. of Gothenburg, Sweden) introduces the concept of 'action nets,' the focus of a research program at her campus. Action nets align
with the constructivist approach in current social science research and new institutional theory as the consequence of an evolution of thinking in the field from organizations to organizing and
from structures to processes. Rather than starting with actors as would a traditional institutional analysis, action nets research views management as the construction/reconstruction of
"well-practiced improvised" collective actions, not necessarily within a formal organization, in the face of risk and threat. Responses to health threats, adventure tourism, and disasters big
and small are case studies of how action nets operate. Annotation 穢2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
