Reading Derrida Reading Kofman

This article examines the relationship that Jacques Derrida and Sarah Kofman developed throughout their lifetimes, both as close friends and as philosophers who shared many common research interests. In his tribute to Sarah Kofman, published in Les Cahiers du Grif in 1997, Derrida stated that ‘These interests and exercises go far beyond the limits of a short narrative, indeed of a terminable analysis’, thus challenging the reader to delve into these ‘elliptical greetings’. The numerous interactions present in Kofman's and Derrida's respective bodies of work are not without conflicts nor dissymmetry, and their often oblique modes of acknowledgement are far from any ‘balance’ on either side. Revisiting some of the différends among two great thinkers of différance, this article highlights the Derridean logic of gift and debt at work between them. Focusing on the posthumous tribute Derrida pays to his friend (left untitled, which is itself a revealing gesture), one can sense that there is much at stake in that piece that touches on the major question of forgiveness and the affirmation of survie or living on, thus setting a scene of reading where Derrida's debt towards Kofman turns out to be more telling than one may have expected.

The ‘Logic of Gift’: Inspiring Behavior in Organizations Beyond the Limits of Duty and Exchange

ABSTRACT:Giving without the expectation of reward is difficult to understand in organizational contexts. In opposition to a logic based on self-interest or a sense of duty, a “logic of gift” has been proposed as a way to understand the phenomenon of free, unconditional giving. However, the rationale behind, and effects of, this logic have been under-explored. This paper responds by first clarifying the three logics of action—the logic of exchange, the logic of duty, and the logic of gift—and then explains how their balanced integration promises to enhance organizational life and outcomes. Having explicated the unique character and contributions of the logic of gift, the paper further suggests practical implications for management. Encouraging the logic of gift fosters more humane relationships within organizations and to enable individuals to be generous in ways that inspire trust and promote creativity.

Organizational caring and organizational justice

Purpose – This article aims to analyze, from a theoretical point of view, if organizational caring and organizational justice are compatible and complementary. It proposes a link between justice and care, expanding the common notions of organizational justice, to find a relational concept of organizational justice that can lead to organizational caring. Design/methodology/approach – The article reviews the literature on the common notions of organizational justice. To find a relational concept of justice, it refers to Lévinas’ thoughts. Therefore, it develops two complementary approaches to organizational caring and analyzes their practical implications. Findings – The article shows that the relational approach based on the logic of gift and on a Lévinasian concept of organizational justice can constitute the ethical basis, which will most likely lead to the creation of a caring organization. Research limitations/implications – The article is a starting point of a conceptual path that should be directed toward the theoretical and practical use of an approach about organizational caring based on the logic of gift. It is necessary to support the theoretical considerations with future empirical investigation showing the possibility of practical applications of the concept analyzed. Practical implications – The main implication for organization theory is the possibility to propose organizational caring through the logic of gift and Lévinasian ethics as a new approach in managing relationships in the organizational context. Originality/value – In the past, organizational justice has been analyzed as a way to an end and not as an end in itself. This concept of justice can make it difficult to find a link with organizational caring, unless it is based on organizational rules and norms. In this paper, the author proposes another concept of organizational justice rooted on philosophical basis, which can lead to a more effective approach to organizational caring.