Showing papers in "Sociology in 1972"
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examine available theoretical models which have been derived from statistically established patterns of association between contextual and organizational variables, and argue that available models in fact attempt to explain organization at one remove by ignoring the essentially political process, whereby power-holders within organizations decide upon courses of strategic action.
Abstract: This paper critically examines available theoretical models which have been derived from statistically established patterns of association between contextual and organizational variables. These models offer an interpretation of organizational structure as a product of primarily economic constraints which contextual variables are assumed to impose. It is argued that available models in fact attempt to explain organization at one remove by ignoring the essentially political process, whereby power-holders within organizations decide upon courses of strategic action. This `strategic choice' typically includes not only the establishment of structural forms but also the manipulation of environmental features and the choice of relevant performance standards. A theoretical re-orientation of this kind away from functional imperatives and towards a recognition of political action is developed and illustrated in the main body of the paper.
4,758 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, a variety of methods are used to operationalize the filtering of information during an innovative decision process by a gatekeeper, both reactive and unobtrusive, and specific data are presented on gatekeeping within the focal organization and also between the focal organisation and other organizations in its organization set.
Abstract: This study uses a variety of methods—reactive and unobtrusive—to operationalize the filtering of information during an innovative decision process by a gatekeeper. Specific data are presented on gatekeeping within the focal organization and also between the focal organization and other organizations in its organization set. Theoretically, the paper explores the increased possibilities for filtering information under the uncertain conditions of an innovative decision. Power is discussed both in terms of the resources which form the base of an actor's power and also the tactics of resource use. The focus on decision making as a political process provides an emphasis lacking in current organizational studies.
355 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a study of 82 business organizations provides data on the disputed question of whether organization technology or organization size is more closely associated with the elements of organization structure, finding that technology variables are associated with structure in certain definable respects, but, on the whole, size enjoys a much higher relationship.
Abstract: A study of 82 business organizations provides data on the disputed question of whether organization technology or organization size is more closely associated with the elements of organization structure. Technological variables are found to be associated with structure in certain definable respects, but, on the whole, size enjoys a much higher relationship. Partial correlational analysis serves to clarify these patterns of association. Measures of technology used in previous studies are seen to be problematic for two reasons. They can obscure the differential elements involved in technology. Secondly, they may to an important degree be acting as surrogates for inter-industry differences which include the influence of industrial managerial ideologies and environments.
238 citations
234 citations
53 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined the relative significance of the early work by C. Wright Mills and the attenuation of his theoretical statement through contemporary interactionist perspectives, and discussed the significance for the actor of being effectively deprived of the opportunity to describe his behaviour in other than a deterministic vocabulary of motives.
Abstract: This paper examines in brief the relative significance which has been attached by social scientists to motivational accounts. Particular emphasis is placed upon the early work by C. Wright Mills and the attenuation of his theoretical statement is traced through to contemporary interactionist perspectives. An empirical study is reported which considers two elements in motivational theory: (a) the range of available motives for a particular type of deviancy—in this case sexual deviancy, (b) the relative acceptability of the available motives to powerful others—in this case magistrates. The results are discussed in terms of the significance for the actor of being effectively deprived of the opportunity to describe his behaviour in other than a deterministic vocabulary of motives.
TL;DR: The Uncompleted Past: A Life of Thomas Wentworth Higginson by Martin Duberman as discussed by the authors.(New York: Random House, 1969. Pp. 400. $6.95.)
Abstract: The Uncompleted Past. By Martin Duberman. (New York: Random House, 1969. Pp. 356. $8.95.) Strange Enthusiasm: A Life of Thomas Wentworth Higginson. By Tilden C. Edelstein. (New Haven: Yale University Press, 1968. Pp. 400. $11.) Means and Ends in American Abolitionism: Garrison and His Critics on Strategy and Tactics, 1834-1850. By Aileen S. Kraditor. (New York: Pantheon Books, 1969. Pp. 277. $7.95.) \"Gentlemen of Property and Standing\": Anti-Abolition Mobs in Jacksonian America. By Leonard L. Richards. (New York: Oxford University Press, 1970. Pp. 170. $6.50.)
TL;DR: The authors suggests that the real determinant of educational choice is to be found in economic differences which are only properly visible over the whole working career and that such economic differences partly cross-cut traditional occupational divisions.
Abstract: Past research on educational choice has revealed good correlations between it and social class. Such research has two weaknesses; it fails to specify a mechanism connecting structural attributes and individual behaviour, and it cannot account for deviants. One attempt to remedy these deficiencies is supplied by explanations cast in terms of class values. This paper criticises such explanations, and suggests that the real determinant is to be found in economic differences which are only properly visible over the whole working career. Such economic differences partly cross-cut traditional occupational divisions. Economic experience is projected to construct models of the world which are used in making decisions.
TL;DR: In this paper, the influence of local education authorities' policies on educational attainment has been examined and it is suggested that policy variables are likely to be of major importance as determinants of attainment.
Abstract: This paper is concerned with the influence of the policy of local education authorities upon educational attainment. We suggest that the influence of local policy has been neglected in the sociology of education and hypothesize that policy variables are likely to be of major importance as determinants of attainment. Evidence drawn from correlations of policy, provision and social-class variables with each other and with various measures of attainment tends to validate this suggestion, and indicates that two `policy-models' of local authority activity may be appropriate: viz, the elite-orientated authority model, in which resources are differentially concentrated on a sponsored elite with consequent high attainment of this elite; and the egalitarian authority model where resources are more evenly spread throughout the school system with consequent `inferior' attainment of an elitist kind, but where the evidence suggests there is higher overall attainment of the total school system product. It would also ap...
TL;DR: In this article, the claim that sociology can be given a phenomenological foundation is examined and rejected, and it is shown that phenomenology, rather than helping to solve these problems, merely helps to throw them into clearer relief.
Abstract: In this article the claim that sociology can be given a phenomenological foundation is examined and rejected. Certain basic problems facing sociological theory are analysed, and it is shown that phenomenology, rather than helping to solve these problems, merely helps to throw them into clearer relief. The concept of typification and the concept of rule are discussed in relation to social action and it is argued that whereas actions qua social actions can be adequately analysed without an appeal to phenomenology, phenomenology might enable us to understand what is involved in the possibility of deviations from rules and types.