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NOTE TO USERS The original document received by UMI contains pages with slanted print. Pages were microfilmed as received. This reproduction is the best copy available UMI A POSTMOGERN GLIMPSE: THE PRINCIPLES OF MARY PARKER FOLLETT IN A CONTEMPORARY WORKPLACE A Thesis Submitted to the College of Graduate Studies and Research in Partial Fulfilment of the Requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Department of Educational Administration University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon, SK by Helen Diane Armstrong March, 1998 O Copyright Helen D. Amwrong, 1998. All rights reserved. National Library Bibliothhue nationale 1+1 of Canada du Canada Acquisitions and Acquisitions et Bibliographic Services services bibliographiques 395 Wellington Street 395. rue Wellington UttamON K1AON4 Ottawa ON KI A ON4 Canada Canada The author has granted a non- L'auteur a accorde une licence non exclusive licence allowing the exclusive pennettant a la National Library of Canada to Bibliotheque nationale du Canada de reproduce, loan, distribute or sell reproduke, preter, distribuer ou copies of this thesis in microform, vendre des copies de cette these sous paper or electronic formats. la fome de microfiche/film, de reproduction sur papier ou sur format electronique. The author retains ownership of the L'auteur conserve la propriete du copyright in this thesis. Neither the droit d'autelir qui protege cette these. thesis nor substantial extracts from it Ni la these ni des extraits substantiels may be printed or otherwise de celle-ci ne doivent dtre imprimes reproduced without the author's ou autrement reproduits sans son permission. autorisation. In presenting this thesis in partial fulfilment of the requirements for a Postgraduate degree from the University of Saskatchewan, I agree that the Libraries of this University may make it freely available for inspection. I hrther agree that permission for copying of this thesis in any manner, in whole or in pan. for scholarly purposes may be granted by the professor or professors who supervised my thesis work or, in their absence, by the Head of the Depamnent or the Dean of the College in which my thesis work was done. It is understood that any copymg or publication or use of this thesis or parts thereof for financial gain shall not be allowed without my written permission. It is also understood that due recognition shall be gven to me and to the University of Saskatchewan in any scholarly use which may be made of any material in my thesis. Requests for permission to copy or to make any other use of material in this thesis in whole or in part should be addressed to: Head of the Depment of Educational Adrmnistration University of Saskatchewan Saskatoon, Saskatchewan sm 0x1 Abstract This thesis was undertaken to explore the philosophical principles elaborated by Mary Parker Follen ( 1868- 1933) and to examine their relevance in the contemporary workplace. The contention within this thesis was that concepts Follen expounded bear close resemblance to postmodern notions cf organizing; juxtaposition of Follettian and postmodem philosophy and a postmodem take on research methodology add credence to the contention and allowed the researcher to examine the practical relevance of the notions explored. The initial few chapters of the thesis are expository, as they acquaint the reader with Mary Parker Follett and her philosophy. A brief biography and a review of her work is followed by a discussion of organization theory, past and contemporary, with the intention of providing an opportunity to situate Follett's philosophy contextually. Although situated in and identified with the human relations school of thought, upon a study of postmodem ideas, Follea seems to enjoy more comfort in a contemporary discussion of a postmodem, communitarian, learning organization. A more lengthy juxtaposition of Follettian and postmodem philosophy lends credence to this idea. A case study within a manufacturing company provided the venue for a further exploration of Follett's ideas. Observation and interviews allowed an examination of several of the most important of Follett's ideas: "power-with" rather than "power-over"; the "law of the situation"; democratic "small group government"; integration as a more favourable manner of dealing with conflict over voluntary withdrawal, domination, and compromise; the benefits of coordination; circular response in the creation of people; and individual and society as process. The stories of the participants are told and contemporary insights add to those provided by Follett over seven decades ago. The postmodem approach to the field study within the manufacruring company allowed fluidity. as the participants changed the method from an original intention of focus group interviews leading to the creation of a survey instntment, to observation and individual interviews. The considerable time spent in observation, combined with the interviews. allowed me to learn the language of the participants and move with comfort within the company. That integration as researcher-participant allowed for personal transformation based on the experience of the research with its collaboration with the employees, lending credence to the most profound of Follen's insights-the reciprocal creation of people-the circular manner in whxh we create as we communicate. It was found that many of Follett's ideas have applicability in a contemporary company. The interviewees displayed exceptional ability to comment regarding the application of Follett ian principles within their workplace serting. The significance of the study lies in the process itself--the opportunities provided for the circular creating and communicating of meaning. The study may encourage readers to reexamine the nature of their relationships, as well. While that examination is not the purpose of this research-no claim of generalizabiiity is offered-it is hoped that others may learn lessons from the process that is documented herein. Acknowiedgements The thanks I give here go beyond my appreciation for support in advising and editing this research project. A great many faculty and family members. colleagues and friends have supponed me throughout my studies, creating with me a text that has inspired my every movement. With great self-confidence, Dr. Larry Sackney has encouraged me to explore new venues. chart new temrory. In doing so, he has created an atmosphere that has enriched my reciprocal response with life, both during my course work and my dissertation research. He has neither bound me with traditional institutional methods of research nor constrained me with his own assumptions. I am indebted to him for that. To my advising committee I also extend my appreciation. Dr. Robert Carlson also served on my Master's thesis committee; his support has been constant throughout my studies. Dr. Allan Guy, as a passionate historian, has encouraged me with questions and suggestions. With a unique encouraging manner, Dr. Patrick Renihan has an ability to evoke inquiry. Always willing to listen to and deconstruct my various ramblings was Dr. Murray Scharf. I want to extend my appreciation to my external examiner. Dr. Derek Allison, for granting my research the compliment of a rigorous defence exercise. Many others have added to the fulfilment I have experienced while conducting this research. To the employees at Sedor Enterprises Incorporated I extend my appreciation for welcoming me among them and sharing their insights. My colleagues, both within the context of the university and the "Virtual Mary Parker Follea Institute," have supported me throughout my studies and my research project. I am indebted to Vigdor Schreibman. who provided constant feedback and inspiration. and to my Boston friend. Albie Davis, who shared, without reservation, her house, her heart. and all her files on Mary Parker Follen. My Master's thesis advisor, Dr. Dianne Hallman. remains my friend and confidante: I know that much of what I have accomplished during my doctoral studies has grown from the planting of her seeds of encouragement four years ago. I would not have had the good fortune to have been able to return to university. nor to succeed upon returning, but for the support and encouragement of my children. Russ. Diome, and James, and their father, Allan. My mother has been my advocate always. Her tenacity and engagement with life continue to inspire all her family. Dedication The seeing of self as, with all other selves, creating, demands a new aaitude and a new activity in man. The fallacy of self-and-others fades away and there is only self-in-and-rhrough-othen,only others so firmly rooted in the self and so hitfdly growing there that sundering is impossible. We must now enter upon modes of living commensurate with this thought. (Follett, 19 1 8/1920, p. 8) TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Permission to use i -. Abstract 11 Acknowledgements Dedication Table of contents CHAPTER ONE: BECOMING INVOLVED Purpose of the Study Rationale for the Study Evolution of Interest A Postmodem GIimpse Follea's Principles Assumptions, Delimitations, and Limitations Outline of the Study Organization of Chapters CHAPTER TWO: THE LIFE, WRITINGS, AND CONTEMPORARY SIGNIFICANCE OF MARY PARKER FOLLETT Mary Parker Follen: Biographical Sketch Childhood Education Career Social work Industrial relations The Final Years The Writings of Mary Parker Follett vii The Speaker of the House of Rerrresentatives 34 The New State: Group Organization the Solution to Popular Government 35 Creative Ex~erience 39 Dynamic Administration: