Burrell, G., & Morgan, G. Sociological Paradigms and Organizational Analysis, Heinemann

Burrell, G., & Morgan, G. Sociological Paradigms and Organizational Analysis, Heinemann, 1979, 1-37

In this introduction the authors develop a 2x2 matrix scheme to help classify and understand existing sociological theories based on four major paradigms.

The matrix is based on four main debates in sociology:

• * is reality given or a product of the mind?

• * must one experience something to understand it?

• * do humans have "free will", or are they determined by their environment?

• * is understanding best achieved through the scientific method or through direct experience?

The authors coalesce these debates into two fundamental issues that form the axes of the 2x2 matrix:

• * social theories emphasizing regulation and stability vs those emphasizing radical change

• * subjective (individualistic) theories vs objective (structural) theories

The four paradigms represented by the quadrants of the matrix are:

Functionalist Paradigm (objective-regulation)

This has been the primary paradigm for organizational study. It assumes rational human action and believes one can understand organizational behavior through hypothesis testing.

Interpretive Paradigm (subjective-regulation)

This paradigm "seeks to explain the stability of behavior from the individual's viewpoint". Researchers in this paradigm try to observe "on-going processes" to better understand individual behavior and the "spiritual nature of the world".

Radical Humanist Paradigm (subjective-radical change)

Theorists in this paradigm are mainly concerned with releasing social constraints that limit human potential. They see the current dominant ideologies as separating people from their "true selves". They use this paradigm to justify desire for revolutionary change. It's largely anti-organization in scope.

Radical Structuralist Paradigm (objective-radical change)

Based on this paradigm, theorists see inherent structural conflicts within society that generate constant...