Organizational accounts

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Complex organizations develop ideologies to foster member dedication and to glorify the organization to the outside world (Blau & Meyer 1956; Sutton et al 1956; Bendix 1956; Kamens 1977). A related subject concerns secrecy and disclosure in organization communications (Steele 1975). "Organizations systematically provide accounts for thei r members or make available accounts for actions taken toward cl ients" (Scott & Lyman 1968 54). Accounts serve to restore order and preven t conflict between action and expectation. A university administrator justifies extra library funds on the basis that books and periodicals are vital resources for quality teaching. A business manager tells la i d-off emp loyees that the lay-off is due to decline in sales. A branch of the armed forces announces changes in training practices in response to charges of brutality in training-. Most human action consists of communication whereby meaning and information are transmitted. Open systems theorists emphasize communication as the essence of a human organization. Such systems receive, use, and distribute information (Katz & Kahn 1966 223).