Abstract
Nord raises several important points regarding “Functionalism as a Basis for Midrange Theory in Organizational Behavior/Theory,” four of which clearly deserve some sort of response. He holds that:
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1.
The applicability of functional analysis may be severely limited if we require that functional unity be demonstrated before it is applied to a particular organization or phenomenon.
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2.
Functionalism emphasizes the merits of particular activities for managers who control the organization, rather than leading to an understanding of their merits for a variety of additional interests.
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3.
Functionalism has a conservative bias; that is, it tends to be used to justify the continuation of present practices in the face of challenges to the existing order.
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4.
The benefits of functional analysis as an alternative to more conventional frameworks for the study of organizations needs to be demonstrated more clearly.
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© 1980 Martinus Nijhoff Publishing
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Behling, O. (1980). A Rejoinder to Nord. In: Pinder, C.C., Moore, L.F. (eds) Middle Range Theory and the Study of Organizations. Springer, Dordrecht. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-009-8733-3_20
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