GENERAL SYSTEMS THEORY/POST-MODERNISM Dominant post-industrial, post-modern theoretical frameworks are: General Systems Theory Interactionist Approaches Post-Modern Perspectives All need to take into account eight types of Capital

GENERAL SYSTEMS THEORY/POST-MODERNISM 1.Social Capital = Personal networks to amplify personal productivity 2.Human Capital = Skills and experience 3.Intellectual Capital = unique mix of social and human capital 4.Knowledge Capital = scientific and technological ideas and knowledge 5.Cultural Capital = access to education, training etc

GENERAL SYSTEMS THEORY/POST-MODERNISM Capital cont. 6.Public Capital = infrastructures, social services, business regulations, etc. 7.Institutional Capital = law and order, preventing corruption in public affairs 8.Natural Capital = clean air, water, food etc.

GENERAL SYSTEMS THEORY/POST-MODERNISM General Systems Theory: Organisations are: independent systems with sub- systems, are interconnected, and necessary for the functioning of the whole All organisations seek to maintain order and equilibrium Integration of specialised parts requires overall organisation Argument that there are essential laws/principles that explain all systems

GENERAL SYSTEMS THEORY/POST-MODERNISM General Systems Theory = puts organisations higher than individuals Need for individuals to subordinate themselves to the needs and demands of organisations Focus on the role and power of managers Preferred theory of organisational theorists

GENERAL SYSTEMS THEORY/POST-MODERNISM Interactionist Approaches: Basic assumption = reality is socially constructed Organisations are “negotiated orders” in which control is never complete, and ongoing negotiations are necessary The socially constructed/interpreted organisational environment becomes the objective world to which orgs. respond Reality is subjective - not objective

GENERAL SYSTEMS THEORY/POST-MODERNISM Focus on understanding organisational instability and change Emphasis on methods of analysing and understanding organisational reality, including the social construction of orgs. Focus on processes - their control and emancipation

GENERAL SYSTEMS THEORY/POST-MODERNISM Post-Modernism: Least cohesive of theories = an overlapping set of ideas about society, orgs, knowledge etc. A challenge to rationality Focus on diversity — no core theory No universal theory/truth — all is relative All knowledge is fragmented

GENERAL SYSTEMS THEORY/POST-MODERNISM Reality is fragmented, contradictory and multifaceted — orgs/individuals must learn to accept uncertainty and relativity Progress is a myth Most concern is with power — reject the notion that managerial power is beneficial Focus on individual self-control, polycentric and fluid orgs. and ongoing improvement