The role of non-corporeal Actant theory in historical research: A case study of Henry Wallace and the new deal. Issue 1 (13th January 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Hartt, Christopher M.; Mills, Albert J.; Helms Mills, Jean
• Is Part Of: Journal of management history. Volume 26:Issue 1(2020)
• Page Start: 60
• Page End: 76
• Publication Date: 2020-01-13
• Subjects: New deal -- Henry A. Wallace -- Legitimacy -- ANTi-history -- Non-corporeal actant theory; Management -- History -- Periodicals; Public administration -- History -- Periodicals; 658.009
• DOI: 10.1108/JMH-01-2019-0004
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1751-1348

Abstract

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.