Debating Rhizomatic Theory in Hospitality Management
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14195/2184-9781_6_9Keywords:
Rhizomatic Theory, hospitality law, hospitality management, Critical Management Studies, legal linguistics, undecidability, non-linearity, interconnectedness, multiplicityAbstract
This paper presents a dialogical exploration between a hospitality manager and a legal linguist. It probes the applicability of Deleuze and Guattari’s (1987) rhizomatic theory in Critical Management Studies (Alvesson, Bridgman and Willmott 2009; Alvesson 2011).
The discussion focuses on whether the rhizome, with its characteristics of non-linearity and interconnectedness, can, if at all, address the current challenges of management practices, particularly in the context of undecidabilities in hospitality law and the hospitality industry (see Barth & Barber, 2017; Green & Varburgh 2023). The hospitality manager questions the practical benefits and potential risks of applying rhizomatic principles to hospitality management, especially concerning organisational structures, compliance and control (see Foucault 1977 on discipline and control) as well as efficiency in times of crisis (see Giousmpasoglou, Marinakou & Zopiatis 2021). In contrast, the legal linguist sees potential for the rhizome to foster resilient and inclusive organisational practices by accepting non-linearity and interconnectedness, amongst other aspects. Acknowledging the theoretical merits, the hospitality manager remains sceptical of the feasibility of rhizomatic theory in relation to leadership in real-world scenarios (see Mintzberg 1973). This exchange provides a joint exploration of the implications of rhizomatic theory in hospitality management with a view to offering insights into the critical reflection of its implementability. Allowing both theoretical and practical perspectives, the paper extends our understanding of how, if at all, a rhizomatic conception of management can inform and potentially transform sustainable management practices in the hospitality industry.
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