This essay will concentrate on the phenomenon of Human Resource Management and how Maslow’s theory of self-actualisation fits into its current form. The HRM’s historical rise will be described in terms of ‘soft-capitalism’ as a solution to the ’problem of work’. Hence, the movement away from managing the objects of work to managing the subject of work, i.e. the worker, will be shown. Furthermore, I will highlight the processes of its emergence and its acceptability in a cultural framework, which will use Foucault’s concept of ‘discursive formations’ and his ideas of ’power/knowledge’ as well as ‘governmentality’. Maslow’s concept of self-actualisation and hierarchy of needs will be unpacked in term of his original work and the ideas that he has pushed into the HRM discourse. A critical assessment will be made by throwing some light on the ambivalence that lies between hypothetical assumptions and the scientific evidence, before its contemporary viewpoint will be reset in terms of HRM culture. In terms of this essay, its function as a technique of inscribing reality and thus acting upon it will be highlighted rather than elaborating on its implications for the motivation discourse (even though these aspects are interrelated). It will be argued that the subject-focused version of Maslow’s work is merely another technique of rendering the subject manageable. The translation of the subjective into the ‘objective’ categories of the model will be provided by the normative structure which in turn will also be provided by the dogmatic structure of ‘efficiency’ and ‘productivity’.
Table of Contents
- Overview
- Analysis and Evaluation
- The HRM paradigm
- Socio-historical emergence
- Processes of enabling
- Maslow's 'hierarchy of needs' and his theory of ‘self-actualization'
- Conclusions
- Conclusions and other notes
Objectives and Key Themes
This essay aims to explore the relationship between Human Resource Management (HRM) and Maslow's theory of self-actualization. It investigates the historical development of HRM, analyzing its emergence within a socio-cultural context and the mechanisms that enabled its widespread adoption. The essay also critically examines the application of Maslow's theory within the HRM framework.
- The socio-historical emergence of HRM and its connection to "soft-capitalism."
- The role of Foucault's concepts (discursive formations, power/knowledge, governmentality) in understanding the development and acceptance of HRM.
- A critical analysis of Maslow's theory of self-actualization and its application in HRM.
- The examination of HRM as a technique for managing the worker as a "subject."
- The tension between the hypothetical assumptions of Maslow's theory and empirical evidence.
Chapter Summaries
Overview: This introductory section sets the stage for the essay, outlining its central focus on the interplay between Human Resource Management (HRM) and Maslow's theory of self-actualization. It briefly introduces the historical context of HRM's rise and its implications for managing workers, foreshadowing the deeper analyses that follow in subsequent sections. The section also hints at the critical perspective the essay will take, questioning the naturalness and inevitability of HRM's current form.
Analysis and Evaluation: This chapter serves as a bridge between the introduction and the detailed examination of HRM and Maslow's theory. It lays out the framework for the critical analysis to come, providing a roadmap for the reader. It sets the stage for the following chapters by highlighting the core questions that the essay seeks to address, further refining the scope of the analysis and preparing the reader for a rigorous exploration of the complexities of HRM.
The HRM paradigm: This chapter introduces the concept of Human Resource Management, defining it as the process of managing employees as organizational resources to achieve desired outputs. It challenges the seemingly self-evident nature of HRM, prompting reflection on its relatively recent emergence and questioning whether its current form represents a natural progression or a specific historical outcome. The chapter sets the stage for subsequent explorations into the socio-historical and cultural factors shaping HRM's development.
Socio-historical emergence: This section delves into the historical context of HRM, tracing its roots back to the rise of "Scientific Management" in the early 20th century. It explains how the fragmentation of work and the resulting alienation led to the "problem of work," characterized by a loss of meaning and satisfaction. The emergence of "soft-capitalism," with its emphasis on cultural and creative aspects of work, is presented as a response to this problem, paving the way for the subject-focused approach of HRM.
Processes of enabling: This chapter explores the mechanisms that facilitated the widespread adoption of HRM, drawing upon Foucault's concepts of discursive formations, power/knowledge, and governmentality. It argues that the seemingly self-evident aspects of HRM are socially constructed, influenced by power relations and the production of knowledge. The chapter illustrates how Foucault's framework helps to unpack the underlying processes that shaped the modern understanding of work and the role of the worker, ultimately contributing to the emergence of HRM.
Keywords
Human Resource Management (HRM), Maslow's theory of self-actualization, soft-capitalism, Foucault, discursive formations, power/knowledge, governmentality, self-work ethics, productivity, efficiency, worker alienation.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview
What is the main topic of this essay?
The essay explores the relationship between Human Resource Management (HRM) and Maslow's theory of self-actualization. It investigates the historical development of HRM, its socio-cultural context, and the application of Maslow's theory within the HRM framework.
What are the key themes explored in the essay?
Key themes include the socio-historical emergence of HRM and its connection to "soft-capitalism," the role of Foucault's concepts (discursive formations, power/knowledge, governmentality) in understanding HRM's development, a critical analysis of Maslow's theory and its application in HRM, the examination of HRM as a technique for managing the worker, and the tension between Maslow's theory and empirical evidence.
What is the essay's approach to the topic?
The essay takes a critical perspective, questioning the naturalness and inevitability of HRM's current form and analyzing its development within a socio-cultural context. It uses Foucault's theories to understand the power dynamics involved in HRM's adoption.
What historical context is considered?
The essay traces HRM's roots back to the rise of "Scientific Management" in the early 20th century, examining the "problem of work" (alienation and loss of meaning) and the emergence of "soft-capitalism" as a response. It connects these developments to the subject-focused approach of HRM.
How does the essay use Maslow's theory?
The essay critically examines the application of Maslow's theory of self-actualization within the HRM framework, analyzing the tension between the theory's hypothetical assumptions and empirical evidence.
What are Foucault's concepts used for in this essay?
Foucault's concepts of discursive formations, power/knowledge, and governmentality are employed to understand the mechanisms that facilitated the widespread adoption of HRM, highlighting the social construction of its seemingly self-evident aspects and the influence of power relations.
What is the structure of the essay?
The essay includes an overview, analysis and evaluation, a detailed examination of the HRM paradigm, its socio-historical emergence, the processes enabling its adoption, and concluding remarks. Each section offers a specific contribution to the overall argument.
What are the key words associated with this essay?
Key words include: Human Resource Management (HRM), Maslow's theory of self-actualization, soft-capitalism, Foucault, discursive formations, power/knowledge, governmentality, self-work ethics, productivity, efficiency, and worker alienation.
What is the purpose of the chapter summaries?
The chapter summaries provide concise overviews of each section of the essay, highlighting the main arguments and findings of each chapter. This allows for a quick understanding of the essay's overall structure and its progression of ideas.
What is the overall conclusion of the essay (based on the preview)?
The preview doesn't provide the full conclusions, but it suggests a critical evaluation of HRM, highlighting its historical and social context, and questioning the assumptions underlying its application of Maslow's theory and its impact on worker experience.
- Quote paper
- BBA Hons European Management Hakan Goektuerk (Author), 2004, How does the general orientation offered by Maslow’s theory of self-actualization fit into the HRM culture?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/47339
