Year
2023
Authors
LORINO Philippe, ARNOUD Justine
Abstract
In this shifting, uncertain world, the processual approach defines organization as a continuous process aimed at organizing collective activity, rather than a stabilized structure. This evolution makes the control paradigm problematic. By paradigm, we mean a worldview that underpins organizational developments and gives them meaning. This chapter presents five key characteristics of control (separation means / ends, heteronomy of human activity, orientation towards the past, abstraction from singular situations, a unique vision of rationality). It shows the possible deleterious effects of control on activity and stakeholders, and contrasts it with a radical alternative, the paradigm of inquiry borrowed from the pragmatist philosophy of action, which simultaneously recognizes the importance of experience and the exploratory, creative character of human activity. The demands raised by the transition from one paradigm to the other are illustrated by a research project on call centers. We discuss the implications and the road ahead.
LORINO, P. et ARNOUD, J. (2023). Critique pragmatiste du paradigme du contrôle. Dans: Claire Dambrin, Damien Mourey eds. Les grands courants en contrôle de gestion. 1st ed. Caen: Éditions Management et Société (EMS), pp. 521-540.