The Quest for Power or Control - Essay Example

The quest for power or control has always been the most important motivator for individuals and societies. Barley and Kunda (1992) have defined this control pattern as either normative or rational. Under normative pattern control was more benign and appeared to care for the improvement of the workers lot through better working conditions, self actualization and even empowerment. The rational pattern was stern by use of discipline and coercion in the garb of scientific management. These patterns were used at different periods in history as alternative methods suited to the political environment and social fabric of the period.

Conforming to the observations by these authors we are now in the normative period where there is great respect for the worker as an important stakeholder and is greatly empowered. This has motivated the worker to greater outputs and closer ties with his organisation. The culture of the company has become the cornerstone of judging the governance level of the company. Performance of the company is now tied with the performance of its workers. This human capital is now considered as the prime source of competitiveness.

A new wave of bonhomie has pervaded the corporate world and with the onset of globalization and multi-cultural workforce companies are vying with each other to ensure that this normative pattern is not only maintained but enhanced. Toward the end of the 20th century however there was a marked change that was not anticipated, at least not entirely by managements. Technology was always the driver of change. New Internet based technologies not only produced the knowledge worker but also introduced the concept of virtual offices and remote workers.

Control got diluted and the operational normative pattern has been disrupted. Rationalism too has no role in the current environment as the worker is no longer bound by geography. Today output has become the sole criteria for judging performance. All other system factors like discipline, culture, work rules and others have become worthless. Both rational and normative theories have to be replaced by a new paradigm that has emerged out of them. A new culture is being evolved with interactive web which is a common platform being used by all stakeholders and there is free interaction between all of them, including the final consumer.

The new order comprises of flexibility, adaptability and responsiveness; the result is action-oriented produced by high-skilled workers.These societal changes call for a new social order where control is now shared more evenly between the management and the workers. The concept of Barley and Kunda can now be considered as redundant.Rust (1999) identified that market competition is an important component of capitalist culture, particularly as it becomes globalized. Porter M.E., (1996) earlier had redefined strategy to be a combination of differently performed activities.

It therefore becomes imperative that a new look and name is given to current trends that tend to change the perception of control. Today information has become the tool of not only the management but of the worker as well. The time has come to democratize the business world on the lines of the political world. BibliographyPorter M.E., (1996), What is Strategy, Harvard Business Review.Rust, K. G. (1999), “The effects of financial conditions and managerial ideologies on corporate downsizing: Some evidence from the U.S. investor-owned electric utility industry, 1992-1995”,  M@n@gement, 3, 2, pp 89-126.