A1 Journal article (refereed)
The role of non-corporeal Actant theory in historical research : A case study of Henry Wallace and the new deal (2020)

Hartt, C., Mills, A., & Mills, J. H. (2020). The role of non-corporeal Actant theory in historical research : A case study of Henry Wallace and the new deal. Journal of Management History, 26, 60-76. https://doi.org/10.1108/JMH-01-2019-0004

JYU authors or editors

Publication details

All authors or editors: Hartt, Chirstopher; Mills, Albert; Mills, Jean Helms

Journal or series: Journal of Management History

ISSN: 1751-1348

eISSN: 1758-7751

Publication year: 2020

Volume: 26

Pages range: 60-76

Publisher: Emerald

Publication country: United Kingdom

Publication language: English

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/JMH-01-2019-0004

Publication open access: Not open

Publication channel open access: 

Abstract

Purpose: This paper aims to study the role of non-corporeal Actant theory in historical research through a case study of the trajectory of the New Deal as one of the foremost institutions in the USA since its inception in the early 1930s. Design/methodology/approach: The authors follow the trajectory of the New Deal through a focus on Vice President Henry A. Wallace. Drawing on ANTi-History, the authors view history as a powerful discourse for organizing understandings of the past and non-corporeal Actants as a key influence on making sense of (past) events. Findings: The authors conclude that non-corporeal Actants influence the shaping of management and organization studies that serve paradoxically to obfuscate history and its relationship to the past. Research limitations/implications: The authors drew on a series of published studies of Henry Wallace and archival material in the Roosevelt Library, but the study would benefit from an in-depth analysis of the Wallace archives. Practical implications: The authors reveal the influences of non-corporeal Actants as a method for dealing with the past. The authors do this through the use of ANTi-History as a method of historical analysis. Social implications: The past is an important source of understanding of the present and future; this innovative approach increases the potential to understand. Originality/value: Decisions are often black boxes. Non-Corporeal Actants are a new tool with which to see the underlying inputs of choice.

Keywords: economic history; economic policy; legitimacy; actor-network theory

Free keywords: New Deal; Henry A. Wallace; legitimacy; ANTi-history; non-corporeal actant theory

Contributing organizations

Ministry reporting: Yes

Reporting Year: 2020

JUFO rating: 1