ABSTRACT
If organizations under rationality norms must deal with uncertainty, the exercise of discretion by organizational members becomes a crucial element in organizational action. Organizations in transitional societies may have less success in matching discretionary abilities with needs for discretion, for in such societies the educational institutions may not attach primacy to the preparation of decision makers, and only a minority may receive the appropriate education. Alternatives available to the organization member may have direct consequences for him quite apart from their consequences for the organization and from the rewards and penalties offered by the organization as part of the inducements/contributions contract. Organizations must find individuals with capacity to occupy important discretionary positions, but the organization must also induce their discretionary behavior. Highly discretionary jobs are involved in political processes, and individuals in such jobs seek to maintain power equal to or greater than their dependence.
