7. Postmodernism Approach
a) What are the key characteristics of the approach?
Postmodernism rejects a rational systems approach to our understanding of organisations and management, and to accepted explanations of society and behaviour. Highly flexible, free-flowing and fluid structures with the ability to change quickly to meet present demands form the basis of the new organisation. For example, Watson suggests that the modernism inherent in the systems-control approach to understanding work organisations and their management is naïve and unrealistic. The possibility of any kind of complete and coherent body of management knowledge has increasingly been bought into question.
b) Does the approach work in practice - if not, why not?
The idea of postmodernism is, however, not easy to explain fully in clear and simple terms. It is arguably more of a generalised sociological concept rather than a specific approach to organisation and management. There is even some discussion of two con- notations, and theories or philosophies of the concept depending on whether the term is hyphenated or not.73 Perhaps understandably therefore the concept of postmodernism appears to have little interest or appeal to the practical manager.
c) How did the approach help develop management thinking?
Postmodernist organisation can arguably be seen as a healthy challenge to more traditional approaches. It puts forward alternative interpretations of rationality, credibility, and ambiguity; a thoughtful critical perspective on disorders in work organisations; and reminds us of the complexities in our understanding of management and organisational behaviour.
d) Is the approach still relevant today?
In todays quickly changing patterns of demand, high levels of technology use the post modernistic approach is and will be relevant as it never was before. It is highly important for organisations to adapt to quickly changing demand and consumer preferences.
e) Is the approach only workable in a particular social, cultural and economic context?
The approach is only workable in highly developed economies and in the technologically sophisticated economies where consumption patterns can change very quick.