Naar een theorie van de organisatie

Samenvatting

An evaluation of the book Sociologie van de organisatie (Sociology of Organization by J. A. A. van Doorn (Leiden, H. E. Stenfert Kroese, 1956). The book offers a 'modern' theory of organization, free from the speculations of old-style Dutch sociology, which had been influenced by German philosophy. Org is defined as 'a technique of human action'; the 3 characterizations of social org are 'coordination,' 'functionalization' and 'rational finalization.' Certain concepts connected with organization are also discussed; substitutibility, hierarchization and disciplination. These concepts are then applied to the study of a definite organization: the army, with special attention to the 'unexpected effects' of org. Finally, a theory of organization is developed as a form of social control. The Vol. is seen to offer a stimulus to further research. It is, however, regrettable that the author has failed to test his general theory by a 'sieve' of practical research. Of special interest is van Doorn's treatment of the 'rigidification' of bureaucracy at the 'late organizational stage.' I. Langnas.