Shorthose, Jim (1996) A contribution to the critical theory of organisations : (neo) human relations management theory, ideology and subjectivity. PhD thesis, University of Warwick.

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Abstract

This thesis contributes to the developing field of the
critical theory of organisation. It presents a critical
inquiry into the ideological nature of (neo)Human Relations
management theory and its strategies for the management of
subjectivity and organisational culture. The introductory
chapters discuss the meta-theoretical grounds and contexts
for the development of the thesis. Chapter 1 responds to
the epistemological challenges put forward by post-
Modernism highlighting the basic trajectory and underlying
values of the thesis. Chapter 2 discusses the development
of critical organisation theory so far, with respect to the
discussions of subjectivity and culture. This includes a
discussion of aspects of the work of Foucault, (neo)Marxist
Theory, Labour Process Theory and critical social
psychology as they have been taken up by organisational
studies of subjectivity and culture. Chapter 3 clarifies
the use of the concept of ideology and outlines the
research strategy for the concrete study of (neo)Human
Relations management as ideological. This involves a 'depth
hermeneutic' research strategy, made up of the 3 components
of (1) A Social Analysis, (2) A Discourse Analysis, and (3)
An Interpretation of Meaning.
As the 'Social Analysis' component of this 'depth
hermeneutic', chapters 4, 5, 6, and 7 highlights the work
of Herbert Marcuse, exploring his critical social
psychology; his notion of 'new forms of control'; his
discussions of the relationship between culture, language
and power; and his discussions of the rationalisation
process leading to the rationalisation of culture and power
relations.
This is followed by both the 'Discourse Analysis' and
'Interpretation of Meaning' components of the 'depth
hermeneutic' method. Chapter 8 offers an account of the
historical emergence of the management discourses around
subjectivity and culture and identifies its leading
authors. Chapter 9 offers a critical interpretation of
meaning of this discourse in the light of Marcuse's social
analysis which highlights the ideological nature of
(neo)Human Relations management.

Item Type:	Thesis or Dissertation (PhD)
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HF Commerce H Social Sciences > HM Sociology
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Organizational sociology, Personnel management
Official Date:	November 1996
Dates:	Date Event November 1996 Submitted
Institution:	University of Warwick
Theses Department:	School of Industrial and Business Studies
Thesis Type:	PhD
Publication Status:	Unpublished
Extent:	399 leaves
Language:	eng

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