Showing papers on "Ideal type published in 2005"

Management, Theology and Moral Points of View: Towards an Alternative to the Conventional Materialist-Individualist Ideal-Type of Management

Abstract: Weber's (1958) argument suggests that there are four ideal-types of management, and that conventional management is underpinned by a moral-point-of-view associated with a secularized Protestant Ethic, which can be characterized by its relatively high emphasis on materialism (e.g. productivity, efficiency and profitability) and individualism (e.g. competitiveness). Weber calls on management scholars and practitioners to become aware of their own moral-points-of-view, and to develop management theory and practice that de-emphasizes materialism and individualism. Our paper responds to this challenge, as we draw from an Anabaptist-Mennonite moral-point-of-view to develop a radical ideal-type of management that is characterized by its emphasis on servant leadership, stakeholding, job crafting and sustaincentrism. Implications for management theory and practice are discussed.

Paths to a Green World: The Political Economy of the Global Environment

Abstract: Review: Paths to a Green World: The Political Economy of the Global Environment By Jennifer Clapp and Peter Dauvergne Reviewed by Susan Maret University of Denver, USA Jennifer Clapp and Peter Dauvergne. Paths to a Green World: The Political Economy of the Global Environment. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press, 2005. ISBN 0262532719 $25.00 Paper $62.00 Cloth. (327p.) A contribution to the undergraduate environmental studies literature, Paths to a Green World: the Political Economy of the Global Environment, provides a summation of the issues surrounding the global economy and its relationship to environmental issues. The authors, Jennifer Clapp, also the author of Toxic Exports: the Transfer of Hazardous Wastes from Rich to Poor Countries (Cornell University Press, 2001), and Adjustment and Agriculture in Africa: Farmers, the State, and the World Bank in Guinea (St. Martin's Press, 1997), and Peter Dauvergne , the author of Handbook of Global Environmental Politics (E. Elgar, 2005), use four sometimes-competing worldviews to inform Paths. Using these four worldviews serves to structure policies and debates that surround globalization, global institutional analysis, transboundary pollution, (free) trade, development, labor, gender equity, investment, debt relief, sustainability, and poverty. The four general worldviews, which are explained by the authors as “ ‘ideal’ categories exaggerated to help differentiate” are classified as market liberals (“benefits and dynamics of free markets and technology”), institutionalists (“emphasize the need for stronger global institutions and norms”), bioenvironmentalists (“stress the limits of earth to support life”), and social greens (“see social and political problems as inseparable”). In creating these “ideal” categories, the authors state they are simplifying “a seemingly unmanageable avalanche of conflicting information and analysis.” (p. 3). However, in describing the “ideal” categories, it would be useful for undergraduate readers, and readers generally, to be offered a brief theoretical discussion of what constitutes an “ideal,” by which I assume the authors are referring to Max Weber’s concept of ideal type. 1 This, and concepts such as environmental discourse 2 , are simply not defined by the authors. In the case of environmental discourse, a mere footnote to John S. Dryzek’s The Politics of the Earth : Environmental Discourses (New York : Oxford University Press, 2005) is provided, which hardly contributes to an understanding of the theoretical underpinning and methodological application of discourse, or its relevance to the language, politics, policies, and practices of economic players such as the World Bank, International

Management, Theology and Moral Points of View: Towards an Alternative to the Conventional Materialist-Individualist Ideal-Type of Management*

Abstract: Weber's (1958) argument suggests that there are four ideal-types of management, and that conventional management is underpinned by a moral-point- of-view associated with a secularized Protestant Ethic, which can be characterized by its relatively high emphasis on materialism (e.g. productivity, efficiency and profitability) and individualism (e.g. competitiveness). Weber calls on management scholars and practitioners to become aware of their own moral-points-of-view, and to develop management theory and practice that de-emphasizes materialism and individualism. Our paper responds to this challenge, as we draw from an Anabaptist- Mennonite moral-point-of-view to develop a radical ideal-type of management that is characterized by its emphasis on servant leadership, stakeholding, job crafting and sustaincentrism. Implications for management theory and practice are discussed.

Rational, Institutional and Active Trust : Just Do It!?

Abstract: Confucius, 551–479 bc, already held the view that trust is a precondition and basis for all worthwhile social relations (Hann 1968). This insight is popular again, but while we can easily relate to it from everyday experience, we still find it difficult to grasp the phenomenon of trust in abstract terms. The question of what trust is and whether it may be amenable to management can only be assessed on the basis of a differentiated concept of trust, showing different sides of the phenomenon instead of taking in everything at once. Hence I distinguish three ideal types of trust, each representing corresponding parts of the trust literature. Particular attention shall be given to the concept of active trust and the leap of faith that all trust requires as these have been underplayed in previous work. First, though, I will look at the ideal type of rational trust as a prudent choice based on the perceived trustworthiness of the trustee which is paradigmatic for much of the trust literature to date. Second, the ideal type of institutional trust will be discussed, using phenomenological and neoinstitutional sociology to suggest a more unusual explanation of trust that rests on taken-forgrantedness in the trustor’s natural attitude towards social interactions. Third, given the limitations of the first two ideal types, active trust as a highly demanding experimental and reflexive form of trust is introduced to highlight challenges for trust typical for the ostensibly short-lived and fast-changing social relations in late modernity. While trust in practice will always be a combination of the three ideal types, my analysis reveals that the essential accomplishment and defining feature of all trust is the suspension of doubt. I illustrate my overall argument towards the end of this chapter discussing the notion of swift trust as introduced by Meyerson et al. (1996).

The Ideal Type in Weber and Schutz

Abstract: The development and use of the ideal type construct in the methodology of Max Weber and Alfred Schutz is considered in order to contrast the different purposes for which each of these sociologists made use of the construct. Weber’s focus on substantive empirical historical and comparative problems led him to select the ideal type as a methodology suited for making comparisons between the type and empirical reality.

Coming Late — Catching Up: The Formation of a ‘Nordic Model’

Abstract: The purpose of this chapter is to provide a historical and comparative framework for the discussion of contemporary social policy developments in the Nordic countries. Present reforms and policy trends illustrate dilemmas for social policy that are common to many countries, and some of the reforms can be seen as alternative strategies to deal with the dilemmas. The relevance of the Scandinavian case for the discussion of different alternative social policy approaches in other parts of the world should be seen in relation to the fact that the Scandinavian model is seen as an ‘ideal type’. Its merits, as well as its drawbacks, deserve to be taken seriously.

Explorations of the life-world : continuing dialogues with Alfred Schutz

Abstract: Preface. Introduction M. Endress. PART I: Theory of the Life-World and Contemporary Social Theory. The Problem of Subjectivity in Schutz and Parsons T.P. Wilson. Reflexivity, Reality, and Relationality.The Inadequacy of Bourdieu's Critique of the Phenomenological Tradition in Sociology M. Endress. PART II: On Methodology and Theory of Social Science. The Appeal of Alfred Schutz in Disciplines beyond Philosophy, e.g. Jurisprudence L. Embree. The 'Naturality' of Alfred Schutz's Natural Attitude of the Life-World S. Vaitkus. Between the Everyday Life-World and the World of Social Scientific Theory. Towards an 'Adequate' Social Theory H. Nasu. The Ideal Type in Weber and Schutz G. Psathas. PART III: The Political and Socio-Cultural Dimension of the Life-World. If only to be heard: Value-Freedom and Ethics in Alfred Schutz's Economic and Political Writings M. Barber. In Search of a Political Sphere in Alfred Schutz Hongwoo K. The Pragmatic Theory of the Life-World as a Basis for Intercultural Comparison I. Srubar. Schutz on Transcendence and the Variety of Life-World Experience Chung-Chi Y. Notes on Contributors. Index.

Between the Everyday Life-World and the World of Social Scientific Theory—Towards an “Adequate” Social Thory

Abstract: The aim of this paper is to explore the kind of social science Alfred Schutz conceives as one firmly founded on phenomenological insights. To achieve this aim, I first discuss the methodological postulates formulated by Schutz for the construction of social scientific constructs, considering their relations as well as his intention in formulating each of them. Second, I paraphrase his arguments about “types of knowledge,” i.e., the “expert,” the “man on the street,” and the “well-informed citizen.” In the course of this discussion, I turn to Max Weber’s conception of the “adequacy of ideal typical construction” and attempt a comparison between Weber’s “cultural beings” (Kulturmenschen) and Schutz’s “well-informed citizen.”

Weber’s The Protestant Ethic as Hypothetical Narrative of Original Accumulation

Abstract: In this article, I address the ‘hypothetical’, ‘self-referential’ and ‘constructed’ nature of Weber’s The Protestant Ethic and the ‘Spirit’ of Capitalism. In particular, I argue that complaints of ...

Journalism at risk: Factors influencing journalistic coverage of the GM food and crops debate (Australia, 1999-2001) and prospects for critical journalism

Abstract: This thesis examines factors shaping journalistic coverage of risk debates involving new technologies, using the Australian debate over genetically modified/manipulated (GM) food and crops during the period 1999-2001 It argues for a more thorough application of constructivism in risk journalism scholarship, and a more sophisticated application of the conflict frame in risk journalism practice Theoretical tools for analysing risk journalism are developed from empirical research and a broad range of literatures Prospects for one particular type of critical risk journalism, which is based on insights from science and technology studies (STS), are explored The thesis first documents the forceful communication effort by institutional proponents of GM, which tends to foreclose debate over the problem of unforeseen consequences arising from the technology It argues journalism, which challenges such powerful interests, is central to democratic debate over the risks and benefits of new technologies The thesis explores opportunities for, and barriers to, such a journalism by drawing on interviews probing the beliefs, values, experience and output of 11 Australian journalists, textual analyses and other scholarship on science, society and journalism (with a focus on science, risk and uncertainty) The practice and theory of risk journalism is organised into two ideal types One plays down the significance of unforeseen consequences of technological innovations and promotes the dominant institutional response to risk This ideal type of journalism relies on positivist approaches to knowledge and scientific consensus By contrast, the other ideal type, which challenges the dominant institutional response to risk, relies on constructivist approaches to knowledge and journalistic notions of conflict and criticism embedded in the professional ideal of the fourth estate The practices of the journalists interviewed demonstrate various combinations of features from the two ideal types and are better represented by four modes of journalism The thesis evaluates existing approaches to constructivist risk journalism scholarship and calls for the development of an STS-informed critical risk journalism that frames risk debates as being about competing responses to uncertainty A resonance between professional ideals of objectivity in both science and journalism is found to be a key barrier to this mode of journalism

Multiple levels of decision making: ethical management in various business contexts

Abstract: This paper describes a set of ideal type organisations, constructed according to a developmental sequence. Each organisation type is based on a specific set of values or value systems. Because such systems shape institutional structures, they influence the role of leadership, governance and decisions. As they are based on Spiral Dynamics, known as Emerging Cyclical Levels of Existence Theory (ECLET), the organisation types are labelled as order, success, community and synergy. Moreover, they interact with changes in the environment, or life conditions, and can determine an individual's "worldview", causing different interpretations of common phenomena, such as corporate sustainability and corporate responsibility. As an overview, a transition matrix is presented which indicates the paradigm shifts per discipline or department, manifested in the subsequent ideal type organisations.

A Review of the Four Risk Management Strategies

Abstract: Risk management encompasses a series of strategies or models. Max Weber, for example, defines four risk management ‘ideal types’: (a) political regulatory process, including litigation; (b) public deliberation; (c) the technocratic /scientific perspective; (d) risk management on strict economic grounds.1 These ideal types can be represented graphically (see Figure 2.1). This graphic illustration originates from Parson’s description of society,2 which was then developed and refined by Ortwin Renn in a number of articles in the 1990s (the one published in German in 1996 is the most significant).3