Possibility of Organization System from the Viewpoint of Selection Ascription(Feature Article: "Rethinking Systems Theory" 1999 Conference)

Abstract

Recently, evaluations for the organization system are not high. But, this paper re-evaluates organization system from the viewpoint of selection ascription, and regards it as one of the social institutions for innovation. Organizations are socially regarded as corporate actors, therefore specific selections of organization members can be understood as organizations' selections. And observed risks of selections are ascribed to organizations, too. This ascription may make organization members encouraged to concern themselves with uncertain selections. Selections are ascribed to organizations by referring to authority or organizational purpose, which are fictions. These fictions, which distinguish organizational selections from personal and environmental selections, can be regarded as 'structures' of organization system. But, a dilemma between 'structures' and innovation is often found. Strict definition of these 'structures' seems to reduce communication cost for selection ascription. But it also often leads organization members to evade from innovative decisions. On the other hand, in a network organization, which has very loose 'structures', selection ascription to the organization may be unstable for organization members. We will consider 'positive politics' as a path to realize organization system's potential. The management should weigh risks from 'positive politics' and indicate allowable arena of politics.