Materialism and Humanism

Abstract

Many argue that work should meet individual needs for fulfillment (humanism), while meeting needs for personal income and organizational productivity (materialism). Using a comparative analysis drawn from organization theory, organizatronal hu manism, social philosophy, and political theory, the article demonstrates that com patibility of the two modes is a critical issue throughout social thought . The authors side with those arguing that contradictory premises prevent satisfying marriage and that the dominant paradigm of materialism be abandoned, perhaps by separating work from income. Recognition of finite limits to global resources may hasten this change in world view.