Radical Transformation of Organizational Goals

December 1977, volume 22 The recent emergence in American politics of a novel form of social-change activity, professionalized reform, is studied using the National Council of Churches as an example. Organizational growth and development is argued to have produced oligarchic rule by a professionalized staff. But contrary to Michels' classic iron law of thesis, professional staff members transformed the operative goals of the organization in a radical rather than conservative direction. A revised theory of organizational transformation is advanced, specifying the conditions under which oligarchy emerges and supports such a radical goal transformation.*