Dramaturgical perspective as a process for enhancing the learning of organisation theory: potential and limitations

ABSTRACT The possible contribution of the dramaturgical perspective (DP) to the learning of organisation theory (LOT) has been explored by considering the DP as an approach for metaphoring, representing or analysing. Based on existing conceptual contributions, especially those of the research on the presentation of self, impression management and organisational learning, this research explores the potential and limitations of the DP in the LOT through a systemic-cognitive learning process that combines scenario conception, performance and interpretative analysis. The explored process was conceived for and applied in three tutorial classes of graduate students of management enrolled at a French university. The results show that the DP might first help improve the observability of LOT for students as well as for teachers on the condition that attention is given to the intersubjectivity represented by this process and second develop students’ managerial behaviour by favouring socially skilled interactions involving different situated roles.