The Limits and Shortcomings of Humanistic Organization Theory

Abstract

This article is concerned with the weak influence of humamstic organization principles on working lite in highly-industrialized societies. Three aspects contributing to this weak impact are discussed. the control interest of management, the contingency view, and the influence of the formal and qualificational hierarchy in organizations on the practice of humanistic prin ciples The latter aspect is emphasized The article discusses and rejects studies advocating a close relationship between humanistic and economic goals in the practice of business organizations Instead, the basic contradic tion between these values and the rationalities which underlie the goals of working life is stressed.