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The usefulness of the theory of action developed by Talcott Parsons and his associates as a frame of reference in research in organizational structures is demonstrated. Generalizations may be gained through the application of the theory to different organizational types. Mental hospitals and prisons are considered as examples of integrative organizations; both have the twin goals of custody or protection of society from outcaste members and the resocialization of them. The structure of both organizations had resulted in the most strenuos system requirements being placed upon those persons least able to deal with them the attendant and the guard. Such organizations, whose goal involves the re-forming of an indifferent and/or hostile inmate system, must give primacy to the solution of the integrative problems of the organization's internal structure.
Frances Gillespie Scott (Thu,) studied this question.