ORGANIZATIONAL HUMANITY AND ARCHITECTURE: DUALITY AND COMPLEMENTARITY OF PAPA-LOGIC AND MAMA-LOGIC IN MANAGERIAL CONCEPTUALIZATIONS OF CHANGE

Abstract

This paper argues that the prevailing largely reductionist conceptualization of organizational life has led (top-) management thinking seriously astray. The mainstream PAPA-logic (PAthology by PAtching) is imbued with the primacy of “segmentalist” (Kanter, 1984) architectures, and, since people are likely to be subordinate to architecture, with "controlled" inhumanity and powerlessness to innovate and change. Inside, a commitment crisis ensues; the outside effect is an adaptability crisis. In contrast, modem systems thinking advances a holistic conceptualization of organizing and managing as reflected by a MAMA-logic (MAnagement by MAtching), which allows for dealing effectively with opportunities and change. The holistic management logic emphasizes the primacy of entrepreneurialism and empowering human resources, where architectures and technologies are subordinate to people. It focuses managerial attention on supportive learning postures, and responsive, communication-rich, network-like “integrative” (Kanter, 1984) architectures.     

ON THE FOUNDATIONS OF GIT (GENERAL INFORMATION THEORY)

Abstract

Information theory as originally developed by Hartley, Shannon, and Wiener for the two-variable “Sender-Receiver” case, and further extended by McGill and Ashby, is believed to be a specific instance of a more general and abstract theory. This paper discusses possible foundations of such a theory starting from a “micro-approach” based on the primitive notions of variety and constraint also due to Ashby. Some slight inconsistencies in earlier definitions are cleared up, whereas some ambiguities in the “macro” quantities are pointed out. The applied theory, called constraint analysis, is very well suited for the analysis of constraints in multivariate systems (structure modelling or reconstructability analysis).     

Kinetic Analysis of the Effect of Some Processing Factors on Changes in Color of Comminuted Meats during Processing

Changes in the psychometric color attributes lightness (L*), hue angle (H*) and chroma (C*) of porcine lean meat batters during processing were kinetically analyzed using the empirical approach of mathematical modeling. The changes during 24 hr storage at 15°C and during heating at 40°C, 50°C, and 60°C were fitted into a model and analyzed for the effects of air pressure during chopping, cutter type and enzyme inhibitors. For changes in L* and C* at 40°C, 50°C and 60°C such kinetic analysis was not possible. Among the factors studied, “air pressure” had the greatest overall effect on color. The effect of “cutter type” was intermediate and that of “enzyme inhibitors” least. The effects found could be ascribed to changes in absorption and scatter properties of the meat batters.     

Routine patch testing with the preservative system Kathon CG

Of 1620 patients routinely patch tested with Kathon CG 100 p.p.m. aqua for suspected allergic contact dermatitis, 81 (5.0%) had a positive reaction. Sixty-two reactions (3.8%) were relevant for the dermatitis for which the patient consulted the dermatologist. Most patients were females who presented with dermatitis of the hands and/or face. Forty-six per cent of the patients had become sensitized by using cosmetic products on healthy skin. The other 54% had pre-existing dermatitis, especially atopic dermatitis and irritant dermatitis. Most reactions were caused by moisturizing creams.     

Regional boundary layer airflow patterns derived from digital NOAA-AVHRR data

Abstract

NOAA AVHRR (Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer) data make a significant contribution to information about boundary layer air flow patterns, especially over complex terrain, where wind fields are very often totally disconnected from upper air flows. An evaluation procedure which is based on different approaches, depending on the regional meteorological situation, is presented in this paper. It-includes (1) mapping of local cold air pools, (2) mapping of the vertical extent of temperature inversions and (3) mapping the extent and dynamics of fog layers. All the examples refer to the Swiss Alps and the surrounding basins.