From postmodern anthropology to deconstructive ethnography

A study is conducted on effects of ethnography and its post-modern developments on organizations. Postmodernism is shown to affect ethnography by complicating the processes of description, reference and establishment of authority in ethnographic texts. Postmodernism provides a 'literary' instead of 'scientific' models of texts wherein descriptions are active constructions instead of neutral recordings. Ostensive reference is also replaced by evocation. The development of deconstructive ethnography based on the theories of Jacques Derrida is presented. Deconstructive ethnography uses theory to give new life to subordinate terms to problematize the dominant understanding and re-create awareness in coventional conciousness. Deconstruction also demystifies social and organizational interactions without using theoretical or moral standards.