Some Limits of Rational Man Organizational Theory

Organizational theory in public administration may be undergoing an important transformation. The new critics find much administrative descriptive theory to be nonrelevant to many critical problems of organization. They suggest that the present theories are based on a concept of man, indeed a morality, that leads the scholar to conduct research that is, intentionally or unintentionally, supportive of the status quo (Marini 1971). The newer, critical writings are also concerned with individual morality, authenticity, human self-actualization. The scholars are not only asking what makes organizations more effective; they are concerned with the issues: For whom are organizations designed? How humane can organizations become and still be effective?