Authority and Organization in German Management

Fülszöveg

¦ 11 '' il
Authority and Organization in German Management
West Germany's postwar economic recovery has often been described as "phenomenal" or even "miraculous," and there have been many attempts at an explanation. One of the most interesting, and perhaps one of the most important factors in this comeback are the men who run German industry. But a real knowledge of these men has escaped us because we have tried to measure them by our standards and match them with our management. We have had some idea of how they differ from us but we have little conception of what they are like.
This book was written to meet that problem. It explores the strength of German management in terms of its authority, and shows clearly how this authority is, within certain stated limits, self-evident, exclusive, and total. Authority relationships are discussed both within the context of the firm and in the framework of the political community. The author compares general administration, industrial... Tovább

Fülszöveg

¦ 11 '' il
Authority and Organization in German Management
West Germany's postwar economic recovery has often been described as "phenomenal" or even "miraculous," and there have been many attempts at an explanation. One of the most interesting, and perhaps one of the most important factors in this comeback are the men who run German industry. But a real knowledge of these men has escaped us because we have tried to measure them by our standards and match them with our management. We have had some idea of how they differ from us but we have little conception of what they are like.
This book was written to meet that problem. It explores the strength of German management in terms of its authority, and shows clearly how this authority is, within certain stated limits, self-evident, exclusive, and total. Authority relationships are discussed both within the context of the firm and in the framework of the political community. The author compares general administration, industrial relations, and management development in four case studies of patrimonial and professional management as well as management under codetermination.
In describing the ascendancy of business associations, the top management development programs at the national level, and the tensions between the owner-entrepreneurs and "hired managers," the author gives an intimate picture of German business ideologies.
The perspective on German management that emerges contrasts sharply with American conceptions of business management. The German example proves it possible to combine efficiency with a charismatic or non-functional approach in building a viable structure of authority. The ramifica- Vissza