This study in organisation theory draws heavily on the Theory of Social Intergration as stated by H.J. van Dongen and on Weick’s theory of reducing equivocality in processes of social interaction. As such it is an elaboration on these theories by adding the notion of cognitive space, which is borrowed from Fauconnier’s model of mental space, and by elaborating on concepts like social-cognitive configuration and multiple inclusion.
Case studies of cooperative alliances between Chinese and Western enterprises are presented to introduce and develop these concepts. Consultants and managers interested in the processes and dynamics of organisational change will find in this book an opportunity to apply the theory of Social integration on the meso and macro levels.