Title: The need for new types of organisation for the new century

Authors: Christine Gilligan

Addresses: Faculty of Organisation and Management, Sheffield Hallam University, Stoddart Building, Sheffield S1 1WG, UK

Abstract: Commercial organisations are at the heart of our economic, political and social systems and define almost every aspect of our lives. Most organisations today operate on the modernist principles of rational bureaucracy, which diminishes the complexities of human life and, because of the perpetual quest for growth, is destroying the natural resources of the planet on which we depend for life. This essay critiques the universal, one-size-fits-all approach of the modern organisation, suggesting that it is time for a change. There are other types of organisation, such as voluntary organisations or social enterprises, offering new ways of organising society that are fairer, more accepting of differences and diversity and have the potential to unleash creativity and develop relationships, both within communities and with the natural environment.

Keywords: rational bureaucracy; complexity; exploitation; modernist principles; sustainable development; sustainability; cultural diversity; feminist challenges; voluntary organisations; cooperatives; social enterprises; modern organisations; commercial organisations.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGE.2008.022446

International Journal of Green Economics, 2008 Vol.2 No.4, pp.353 - 371

Published online: 05 Jan 2009 *

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