# Management as an Ideology By:: [[Ross Jackson]] 2022-09-06 Within the [[critique]] of management developed in *[[Management in Quandary - A Critique of Organizational Power|Management in Quandary]]*, is the notion that management functions as an ideology. Many definitions of ideology exist. For the purpose here, it is sufficient to note that ideologies are systems of ideas that form the basis of policy and action. Frequently, ideologies operate just under the conscious level. Stated somewhat differently, ideologies are background operating instructions that are tacitly accepted both those within the group, organization or state. Management, as an ideology, is consequential insofar as people are willing to conform to implicit expectations for dress, decorum, thinking, speaking, or action. If one is willing to accept the assumptions resident in management in regard to human dynamics, there is no real issue of concern. However, if one rejects these assumptions, dealing with management as an ideology becomes more problematic.  At least two notions warrant a closer [[examination]]: control and influence. What does it mean to control “[[human resources]]”? Most would agree that there is a spectrum of directions that ranges from legitimate to illegitimate. In the abstract this is constructive, but it provides little basis for determining within a given context if a given managerial direction gravitates more towards the former or the latter. More subtle still are acts of influence. Control is more overt and observable. Influence can be harder to pin down. Determining parameters as to what constitutes legitimate control and influence requires work. Management as an ideology precludes this work as it obfuscates its need.  Management as an accepted ideology is pervasive in our culture. Its widespread acceptance makes its critique and correction more challenging not less. Management holds the potential to influence administrative, operational, and existential concerns. Control and influence can be enacted in ways that influence each of those three elements. Management as an ideology provides a generic and broad acceptance of control and influence without much context. Making organizations spaces in which greater authenticity and [[autonomy]] can flourish likely requires addressing the implicit constraints of management as an ideology. #### Related Items [[Management]] [[Ideology]] [[Thinking]] [[Control]] [[Influence]] [[Authenticity]]