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Marx, Morality and Management: The Normative Implications of his Labour Value Theory and the Contradictions of HRM

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Abstract

It will be argued that, by reading Marx’s theory of value not as an explanation of capitalist development but as anthropology of capitalism’s moral implications, certain ethical contradictions of HRM can be identified. The main areas of conflict are seen in HRM’s pretence to equitable exchange relations in the workplace, its propensity to replace material with symbolical recognition through corporate culture and ideology, and in its tendency to lay claim not only on the employee’s labour power but on his or her whole personality.

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References

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  62. from previous mission statement of Lucas Varity

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  75. Empirical research appears to back this conclusion, cf eg Stephen J Wood, Mark P Fenton-O’Creavy ‘Direct Involvement, Representation and Employee Voice in UK Multinationals in Europe’ European Journal of Industrial Relations 11 no 1 pp 27–60.

  76. As described by Nikolas Rose Governing the Soul. The Shaping of the Private Self London, Routledge 1990.

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  1. University of Exeter, Exeter, Devon, UK

    Matthias Zick Varul (lecturer of sociology)

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Varul, M.Z. Marx, Morality and Management: The Normative Implications of his Labour Value Theory and the Contradictions of HRM. Philos. of Manag. 5, 57–71 (2005). https://doi.org/10.5840/pom20055222

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