The Unique Nature of the Human Factor
A Theme for Courses in Organization
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 11062817 |
|---|---|
| Authors | David Jaffee (corresponding author) |
| Year | 1993 |
| Volume | 21 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Pages | 60 |
| Publication date | 1993-01-01 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Teaching Sociology (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0092-055X • E-ISSN: 1939-862X |
| Publisher | SAGE Publications (PUBLISHER • US) |
| DOI | 10.2307/1318852 |
| OpenAlex | W2081998897 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 12 |
Sociology courses that present a large number of theoretical models and concepts benefitfrom an organizing framework or integrating theme that links theories to a common concern or explanatory logic. This paper provides a specific example of one integrating theme that can be used in courses in complex organization and organization theory. I show how the unique capacities and nature of the human (or labor)factor ofproduction-as a conscious, reflective, and reactive organizational input--have posed difficulties and dilemmasfor both organization theories and managerial strategies of control. This theme is applied to a series of different theoretical topics, issues, and problems typically covered in a course on organizations. In many sociology courses, because the discipline is governed by theory, students are assaulted with a barrage of theoretical perspectives and arguments. No sooner have they digested one theory than it is resoundingly critiqued and replaced by another, which is also destined for the meat grinder of criticism. Regardless of the substantive topic, this pedagogical practice is fairly common, but it develops in students an appreciation for the role and limits of theory as well as a capacity for critical thinking. The danger exists, however, that students may become overwhelmed by the sheer number and opposing claims of the various theories. In order to alleviate theory overload, it is useful to develop a number of themes or conceptual problems that emerge or are embodied in the diverse theoretical perspectives offered. This step provides continuity in the presentation of material and enables students to link theories to a common foundation. In this paper I discuss one strategy that has proved useful in teaching organization theory
Epistemology · Factor (programming language · Pedagogy · Social science · Sociology · Theme (computing · Accounting and Organizational Management · Computer Science · Management and Organizational Studies · Management Theory and Practice · Philosophy
Beyond Contract
Organizations
British factory, Japanese factory
The Theory Of Social And Economic Organization
Complex organizations
Labor and Monopoly Capital
Organization Theory
Beyond Mass Production
Minding America's Business
Employee Ownership in America
British Factory-Japanese Factory. The Origins of National Diversity in Industrial Relations
Contested Exchange
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |