Dissertation Abstract

Ciencia Y Practica En La Accion Directive:

Un Enfoque Peirceano Para La Direccion De Empresas

(Theory And Practice In Management:

A Peircean Approach To Business Administration)

by

Juan Fontrodona

Degree: DR.

Year: 1997

Pages: 00433

Institution: UNIVERSIDAD DE NAVARRA (SPAIN); 5864

Source: DAI, 59, no. 02C, (1997): 0264

The thought of Charles S. Peirce may be a fruitful starting point for the formulation of a new paradigm of human action within organizations. The presence of Peircean ideas in management is proposed as a valuable alternative to the theories of organizations grounded on the logical positivism tradition.

The first part deals with the concept of action on the basis of the theory of the categories, the principle of continuity (synechism) and semiotic theory. The category of thirdness emphasizes the importance of the teleological character of human action. Synechism makes possible the compatibility of the novelty of every human action with the regularity of conduct. Semiotic theory manifests the need for both an a priori evaluation of action and a reliance upon models which take into account the variables relevant to the decision.

The second part studies the decision process on the basis of the method of inquiry and the classification of the sciences. Practical action, when not reduced to technique, requires a scientific attitude. The scientific method and the pragmatic maxim serve to analyze decision problems. In this analysis it is necessary to define certain decision criteria which will allow us to distinguish among alternatives. The classification of the sciences establishes the relation between the normative sciences and human action.

The third part, on the basis of the three normative sciences (logic, ethics and esthetics), describes three principles for human action: creativity, community and growth. The absence of the esthetic principle--growth--in current models of management explains their manifest limitations and constitutes supporting evidence for the initial hypothesis.

Reference Copy: THE SCHOOL OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES, UNIVERSIDAD DE NAVARRA, 31080 PAMPLONA, SPAIN

Language: Spanish

Descriptor: BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, MANAGEMENT PHILOSOPHY

Accession No: AAGC638804

Provider: OCLC

Database: Dissertations