“越来越好奇!”:组织作为仙境——理性模型的隐喻替代

‘Curiouser and curiouser!’: Organizations as Wonderland – a metaphorical alternative to the rational model

HUMAN RELATIONS · 2016
被引 40
人大 AFT50ABS 4

中文导读

借用《爱丽丝梦游仙境》的隐喻,强调组织中的荒谬、非理性、不确定性和无序,挑战传统的理性模型,为管理者和受非理性决策影响者提供慰藉与启示。

Abstract

The metaphors in Morgan’s (1986) Images of Organization largely imply order, rationality, stability and manageability. This reflects that the text is concerned with facilitating the design and management of organizations. This article draws on Lewis Carroll’s (1865) novel Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland to propose Wonderland as an alternative metaphor that places at centre stage issues such as absurdity, irrationality, uncertainty and disorder. Rather than a marginal or temporary aberration, it is argued that such conditions need to be understood as an everyday experience for many. This metaphor is important because those who are tasked with managing organizations may find it stressful and puzzling that they are so inept, when they compare their experiences and achievements with the rational model. In this sense, it offers both comfort and perhaps encouragement, but it should also foster humility and caution in terms of what those at the top can achieve. Likewise, those on the receiving end of irrational decisions or who reside in absurd worlds can gain solace from knowing that they are not alone, whilst those concerned with resisting such conditions can find strength in the knowledge that those in positions of authority are not omniscient/omnipotent.

组织理论管理学社会学哲学