Title: Reassessing the ontology of contemporary organisational decision-making processes for healthier Asian economies

Authors: Abraham Ninan, Hitendra Pillay

Addresses: Creative Industries Research and Applications Centre, Faculty of Creative Industries, Queensland University of Technology, The Hub, Z6, 505, Musk Avenue, Kelvin Grove, Creative Industries Precinct, Australia. ' School of Learning and Professional Studies, Faculty of Education, Queensland University of Technology, KG A321, Australia

Abstract: This paper reassesses modern day decision-making processes for healthier Asian economies by systematically unpacking and critiquing key assumptions that drive organisational communication and cultural systems in contemporary Asia. The term non-Western refers to interests of Asian economies and cultures in this paper. In an ontological sense, the paper highlights these systems| roles as central decision-making mechanisms in facilitating their relation to external economic circumstances; thus, extending their functions beyond their frequently perceived mere functional and informational utilities. The paper calls for increased scrutiny of a degree of fit between local socio-economic needs and ontological suppositions of organisational decision-making processes in Asian economies, when borrowing Western business practices. The paper calls for incorporation of a new organisational spirituality to help overcome current underestimation of the complexities of the values and belief systems of a nonlinear, discontinuous and collective Eastern organisational culture by more linear, continuous and individualistic Western decision-making systems.

Keywords: networked era; global village; decision making; cultural values; uncertainty; ontology; deterministic; holistic; morality; organisational spirituality; business process integration; Asian economies.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMDM.2007.012717

International Journal of Management and Decision Making, 2007 Vol.8 No.2/3/4, pp.139 - 152

Published online: 10 Mar 2007 *

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