ABSTRACT
The process of rationalisation, that is, the progressive application of science and technology to new facets of human affairs, is of moral concern because it narrows the capacity for independent judgement and decision-making and the personal responsibility of the individual. On the contrary they sound the bells of moral anguish, as the needs of humanity appear to be less recognised and fulfilled as the trends evolve, and as the individual becomes even more confused, diminished and unheard. In organisations, given the pressure for growth, the promotion of real participation must be joined by the effort, in Schumacher’s words, ‘to attain smallness within bigness’ since practical people have ‘a tremendous longing and striving to profit, from the convenience, humanity and manageability of smallness’. Science is predominantly pursued in large organisations; thus corporations also grow and large corporations become interdependent with big government. The chapter also presents some closing thoughts on the key concepts discussed in the preceding chapters of this book.
