Abstract
This article examines the role of power in academic organizations, with a focus on how departmental chairs mediate between collegial traditions and corporate administrative structures. Power is framed as both enabling and constraining, manifested not only in direct influence but also in agenda setting, hidden assumptions, and language use. The discussion highlights how storytelling and account-giving shape organizational life, with chairs serving as both accountants of departmental realities and narrators of institutional identity. Stories function to socialize members, naturalize practices, neutralize political interests, and legitimate decisions, thereby influencing whether discussions remain open or become closed. The article concludes that chairs occupy a crucial position as mediators, with the potential to either reinforce domination or foster reasoned dialogue. By reframing narratives and exposing underlying assumptions, chairs can preserve collegiality and encourage more participatory decision making in universities.
Recommended Citation
Deetz, Stanley
(1987)
"Stories, Accounts, and Organizational Power,"
Association for Communication Administration Bulletin: Vol. 61, Article 6.
Available at:
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/aca/vol61/iss1/6
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