II. Critical Analysis:
Copyright Marshall Scott Poole II. Critical Analysis Analysis of Power Relations in Organizations and Society 1. Things are not as they seem Surface appearances of social life makes the world seem sensible and ordered “as it should be” But at deeper levels organizations and society control us so that some groups are advantaged at the expense of others
II. Critical Analysis:
Copyright Marshall Scott Poole II. Critical Analysis Analysis of Power Relations in Organizations and Society 2. Ideal model of agent Person should have control over the conditions that govern their lives Active participation in work and governance Variety in life—not just drudgery—life of the mind and the soul But…the structure of society and organizations prevents most people from achieving this ideal
II. Critical Analysis:
Copyright Marshall Scott Poole II. Critical Analysis Analysis of Power Relations in Organizations and Society 3. The Pervasiveness of Power All of life is political Sources of power (See Miller) Formal authority Control of technology Symbolism Control of decision agendas and process
II. Critical Analysis:
Copyright Marshall Scott Poole II. Critical Analysis Analysis of Power Relations in Organizations and Society 4. Power and control Some groups use power to realize their interests through controlling members of other groups May not be intentional This prevents other groups’ voices from being heard; their interests are not addressed This prevents realization of the ideal for controlled groups