Blackwell Reference Online

Extract

Although scholars take differing perspectives on the purposes and functions of control and authority, the definitions of these two terms are quite clear. In an organization, to “control” means to constrain work processes, human activity, and environmental events so that the organization creates value. That is, a refrigerator-manufacturing business must control work processes so that it can produce refrigerators that work correctly. The company must control human activity so that the production staff actually gets the refrigerators produced on time, and the company must control the flow of new technology from the environment so that it can incorporate new innovations into its production. In an organization, “authority” refers to that which makes control legitimate. The individuals working for an organization must see the control methods as legitimate; that is, the organization must control human activity reasonably, appropriately, and lawfully. A subordinate should accept the orders of a supervisor as long as the orders are reasonable, appropriate, and lawful. If a subordinate refuses legitimate orders, the subordinate gets fired. If the supervisor gives illegitimate orders, the supervisor gets fired. Regardless of perspective, control and authority both become manifest through the communication practices in an organization. For instance, a boss gives orders directly to a subordinate; ... log in or subscribe to read full text