Lauren Scannell

Org. Theory

Dr. Walling

Article Summary

“The Giving of Orders” – Mary Parker Follett

Pgs.149-157 Shafritz & Ott

This article outlines an important issue in regards to human resource theory. The author outlines the situational or contingency approach to leadership. Mary Parker Follett gives the best advice as to how to give orders correctly in an organization setting.

·         Common perception of giving orders: issue a list of orders and have them obeyed without a second thought.

o        Many difficulties to this perception

o        Habit-patterns need to be appealed or new ones created

·         The place, situation, and manner in which orders are given are crucial to the type of response.

·         The Psychology of giving orders: “before the integration can be made between order-giver and order-receiver, there is often integration to be made within one or both of the individuals concerned.”

How can one avoid the problems that accompany the giving of orders?

                -depersonalize

                -unite those in the situation

                -discover the law of the situation and obey it

This article points out the main reason behind looking at orders and the giving of orders in this manner. No one is necessarily under any other person within the organization; these people should concentrate on the study of the situation at hand.