Public Administration Optional 2019 Paper I

1.(d) "Chester Barnard in 'The Functions of the Executive' injected 'the social' in the study of organization. Explain in this context how the executive is expected to play a much greater role than a manager."

Verified Answer

Chester Barnard, in 'The Functions of the Executive,' profoundly influenced organizational theory by emphasizing the 'social' aspect of organizations, viewing them as cooperative systems rather than mere formal structures. He highlighted the importance of informal organization, communication, and the willingness of individuals to cooperate towards a common purpose. In this context, Barnard differentiated the executive's role from that of a manager. A 'manager' typically focuses on the efficient execution of tasks, resource allocation, and achieving specific operational goals within established parameters. Their role is often about 'doing things right.' An 'executive,' however, operates at a higher, more strategic level. Barnard argued that the executive's primary functions are to maintain communication, secure essential services from individuals (i.e., motivate cooperation), and formulate and define the organization's purpose and objectives. This involves fostering a cooperative system, shaping organizational culture, and ensuring the organization's long-term viability and ethical purpose. The executive's role is about 'doing the right things' by integrating formal and informal elements, inspiring collective action, and maintaining the social fabric that underpins organizational effectiveness, thus encompassing a much broader and more strategic leadership responsibility than a manager.