Learning from Foundation: Asimov's Psychohistory and the Limits of Organization Theory

Abstract

In this article, we use Isaac Asimov's Foundation trilogy as a case study, analyzing the events that occur in the novels in order to reflect on metanarratives and their applicability to organizational realities. We argue that metanarratives, while perhaps attractive from a legitimacy perspective, are neither epistemologically defensible nor desirable for the development of organization studies. We conclude by arguing that narrative fiction in general, and science fiction in particular, provides an important addition to traditional approaches to organization studies and an interesting alternative perspective on the role of metanarratives.

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