Symmetry as a Mechanism of Control in Management

Bibliographic Data

ID2165629
AuthorsJaana Parviainen (0000-0002-7838-592X, Flint Institute Of Arts, corresponding author), Niina Koivunen (0000-0002-0431-3261, Flint Institute Of Arts, corresponding author)
Year2006
Volume9
Issue2
Pages147-155
Publication date2006-06-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueConsumption Markets & Culture (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1025-3866 • E-ISSN: 1477-223X
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/10253860600633861
OpenAlexW2065436537
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited2

This paper explores the role of symmetry in conceptualising organisations and management. Symmetry is here defined as a correct proportion of the parts in a composition, those parts being either physical or conceptual. We present two cases of symmetry in management practices to demonstrate how symmetry as a combination of aesthetics and cognition can turn into a mechanism of control. First, we analyse the bilateral symmetry of an organisation chart of a Finnish forest company. We then read the visual symmetry of one strategy model and show how its “visual order” takes over conceptual exactness. We argue that symmetry can be a powerful control mechanism which managers apply to construct a desirable image of their organisation

Business · Cognition · Cognitive psychology · Cognitive science · Construct (python library · Control (management · Epistemology · Geometry · Mechanism (biology · Order (exchange · Physics · Pure mathematics · Symmetry (geometry · Theoretical physics · Complex Systems and Decision Making · Computer Science · Management and Organizational Studies · Mathematics · Philosophy · Psychology · Artificial Intelligence

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