Shouldn't Organization Theory Emerge from Adolescence?

Abstract

Having lost its connection to world affairs, today organization theory lacks an external mission. Yet organizations lie at the heart of major conflicts that are shaping the course of the 21st century, and in principle, organization theory could contribute significantly to human welfare. Organization theory had roots in the emotions of everyday life, disgust about the deficiencies of bureaucracy and optimism that better organizations could benefit humanity. From the 1860s to the 1960s, two themes characterized writings about organizations. The earliest organizational writings by sociologists and economists focused on the effects of governmental bureaucracies on societies. Most expressed concern about bureaucracies’ propensity to ignore their environments. The early organizational writings by consultants and former managers reflected hope that organizations could become more productive. They concentrated on improving structural features to raise productivity, efficiency, or morale.

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