In the Shadow of Organization

by Robert B. Denhardt

This book deals with the dilemma of individual autonomy in an organizational society. It argues that the organizations that we established to work for us have instead imprisoned us. Drawing upon critical social theorists like Habermas, depth psychologists like Jung, and phenomenologists like Husserl, author Robert B. Denhardt shows how the "ethic of organization" inhibits the individual's search for meaning and then discusses strategies for enhancing the individual's role. He champions independence, expressiveness, and creativity over discipline, regulation, and obedience. To this first paperback edition, Denhardt has added a new introduction that focuses on leadership's key role in humanizing organizations, as well as a bibliographical update.

157 pages, Paperback

First published April 10, 1981

Reviews

[Namrta Sharma · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book appears to be an outcome of the rebellious steak in the public administration scholars who had been dissatisfied with the way the public administration theorist and practitioners have eulogized the concept of scientific organizations completely ignoring the human needs and values. The focus on ‘efficiency’ by Wilson, Weber, Simon has guided the organizational behavior that has overshadowed the individuals who came together to form the organization. This overarching logical positivist approach in Public Administration theory has its consequences upon the individuals. The hierarchical structures, the set procedures, the rules and regulations, the discipline have all become the chains that have enslaved the employee. The organizations then manipulate the individuals to define a set pattern of expected behavior. The systems have taken the focus away from the individuals. There has not been any effort to understand the motivations and aspirations of the individuals in context of the organization.

The main contention of the author is the organizations that were developed for the benefits of mankind have become a Frankenstein and are become a cause of ruin for its creator. The author is concerned about the individual’s autonomy, expressiveness and creative pursuits in the organization, which he feels are a casualty in the organizational culture loaded with discipline This culture pervades the employee’s life outside of the organization as well, suppressing freedom of thought. He feels that many problems in the organizations can be resolved through intelligent, creative and expressive employees.

The organizations should nurture its employees to bring the best out of them. This can become a mutually symbiotic relationship through which society can benefit. The author proposes that the organizational foundations be built on the concept of change and conflict. The creation of leisure activities will also contribute to creativity and imagination, leading to a path of innovative work culture.

The book is a sincere effort to delve into the psychology of individuals in an organization The author places the individuals at the center of the organizational universe. The deeper understanding of human behavior, especially the ones that can engage rather than enslave the individuals is the core of the book.

[Rob · Rating 3 out of 5]

This classic text addresses the tension between individual and organizational imperatives and argues that a new paradigm of work and play is needed to free our creative ability to construct meaning in our lives.