Evolving Managerial Thinking in the Face of Organizational Change
For organizational change to succeed, it finally seems time for managerial thinking to evolve beyond the mechanistic paradigm and acknowledge the interconnectedness of individual behavior, collective emotions and organizational context.
Introduction
Organizational change is a complex process that often challenges traditional managerial thinking. While executives may approach change with concrete plans and structures, the reality of organizational dynamics, influenced by human behavior, can lead to unexpected outcomes. This paper delves into the evolution of managerial thinking during organizational change, highlighting the limitations of mechanistic perspectives and advocating for a more holistic approach rooted in understanding human behavior and systemic dynamics.
Mechanistic Thinking and Its Limitations
Historically, organizations have been viewed as machines, with management focused on control and efficiency. This mechanistic paradigm, popularized by Frederick Taylor as scientific management, emphasized operating rules and hierarchical control, hoping to reduce the…
