Dynamic Administration (Mary Parker Follett) | Public Administration Optional for UPSC (Notes) PDF Download

Introduction

Mary Parker Follett a contemporary management theorist contributed to the development of management though which differed from other writers of her period. She figured in between the classical theorists and the human relations and behaviourist theorists.
To her organisation was a social system and psychological and sociological aspects were given prominence in her writings. According to her conflicts in an organisation were inevitable and conflicts are neither good nor bad. Rather it provides opportunities for good and bad results. She advised managers to use conflict in a constructive manner by suggesting three ways to do the same. These are:

• Domination to resolve a conflict- Here only one party wins which is the stronger one. The weaker party remains disgruntled and this will lead to very ugly consequences later. therefore this should be avoided.
• Compromise - Where no party benefits but settle mutually for the time being. But this sort of resolution is only a short term one and the conflicts keep building up internally and become more dangerous when it shows its face again and then it might become out of hand to even try to settle it. This method also she did not suggest much.
• Integration to resolve a conflict - Follett considers this technique to be the best. As under this method there is a feeling of win-win equation & both conflicting groups see their issues addressed. And this is long term solution.

The Process of Integration(in detail)

This process unfolds in three steps:

1. Surfacing of conflict or identification of existing issue.
2. Analysis of the conflict and development of a solution - A solution should be such that it no way leaves any room for the conflict resurfacing or a new conflict arising and it should benefit all and a circular response should be evoked where every member gets to vent out his feelings so that he feels heard.
3. Anticipation of results.

Hindrances to The Smooth Implementation of The Process Of Integration:

• It requires high degree of knowledge and analysis.
• It requires high order of creativity and innovation
• It may require more resources.
• Superiors may have the tendency to continue domination.
• True integration may not be achieved as groups may not agree to substitution.
• Rushing to the application of scheme may create problems as its proper comprehension may require time.
• Groups may feel inadequately represented but may not show at that particular time when integration is seemed to be achieved.

Follet's Depersonalising of Orders

Follet stated that human beings by nature do not like to be dictated and do not like following orders therefore she called for depersonalisation of orders which as per Follet is that situations should give out orders and not people and see how people readily follow it because they feel a sense of control along with a sense of urgency. As per Follett - Orders shall come from action and not actions from orders.

Follett on Authority

• As per Follett Authority is the right given to exercise power and resources could be directed/managed in regard to some work completion. She say authority and right is embedded in the work to be done and not in the position or person. Authority travels in the direction that the work is travelling.
• She rejects the notion of delegation of authority stating that it is as a myth which is created by superiors to elevate themselves and according to her wherever work is to be carried out,authority as the vested right in work shall be and go there.

Follett on Control and Power

Folett feels that power is the phenomena through which groups are seen directed by few people to discharge some functions. She favours the concept of 'power with' instead of 'power over' and said that people should work together rather than dominating.Control as per Follet should be based on facts and not on some rule based structure as people will overthrow that soon.

Leadership as per Follett

• Follet advocates leadership as highly significant phenomenon that should be vested on a person who has the right knowledge,understanding and ability in a particular situation to direct a group. Leadership as per her is situational. Each situation if same can have the same leader but where there is a different situation then a new leader should take over who has the capacity and knowledge for the same. this would benefit the entire group. She states that a leader needs to communicate well and motivate his group regularly. 
• Follett also states that as per her analysis organizations that have followed a flexible leadership have flourished whereas the ones that have stuck to hierarchical leadership have gone unsuccessful and unstable.

Co-Ordination as per Follett

Follett calls it a harmonious ordering of affairs and has suggested 4 dimensions trough which co-ordination could be seen achieved in organizations:

• Co-ordination by direct contact that seniors shall maintain and will be flexible and not hierarchical.
• Co-ordination as a reciprocal relationship of all factor that is all nodes and their functions shall be related with each other.
• Co-ordination in early stages that is involving those who could be seen concerned right from the beginning when policy goals were being finalised.
• Co-ordination as a continuous process that is, efforts in regards to co ordination shall be manged through out and timely.

State and Democracy as per Follett

• Follett mentions that the State is the highest order of realisation of any social group and that individuals find fulfilment of their goals and objectives in groups only. She supported democracy as a foundation of a true state as people will be allowed to vocalise their feelings,opinions and reservations freely in such an order.
• Purpose of law of a state as per follett is to ensure groups achieve their fulfilment without making anybody compromise on any count.
• She also asserted that participation of people should not be limited to the ballot box only but continuously throughout the decision making processes as groups can lead the larger state with their democratic soul in the right direction.

Criticism of Follett

She is criticised as an Idealist. The thread of consistency and continuity is absent in her thought and though her ideas can be plucked from here and there and mixed with other thinker's ideas in order to implement,they cannot be implemented in totality as it would lead to chaos. She has also been criticised for pursuing collectivism(in her theories of co-ordination and State) and individualism( in her theory of conflict & leadership) at the same time without providing specific dimensional definitions in their regards.