Title: Business management and volunteering through the lens of power and human agency

Introduction

In this article, We delve into the nuanced dynamics of power within the realms of business management and volunteer work. I scrutinize seminal texts and theories from sociology and organizational behavior. to assess how power is both asserted and contested within organizations. My analysis draws on Steven Lukes's influential "Power: A Radical Perspective," complemented by Stewart Clegg's 2012 critique regarding the omission of human agency in conventional frameworks. Moreover, I incorporate insights from the Hawthorne studies and Charlie Chaplin's 1936 film "Modern Times," enriching my understanding of interpersonal relations and technological impacts in the workplace. By situating these discussions within a theoretical group project and a volunteer initiative, 1 illustrate practical applications of these concepts.

Group Assignment: Eco Tech Innovation Project

Our group project involved the fictional company EcoTech, which specializes in green technologies. We were tasked with creating a project management strategy that harnesses the varied perspectives of the team to successfully introduce new products. This setup provides a fertile ground for analyzing the power dynamics outlined by Steven Lukes, as well as assessing the impact of human agency and technological integration in organizational contexts.

Detailed Analysis of Power Dynamics

EcoTech's innovative projects are an excellent setting for demonstrating the three-dimensional theory of power proposed by Steven Lukes in Power: A Radical Perspective.

Firstly, overt power is primarily exercised by senior management, who wield authority over major project decisions, directly influencing both strategic direction and resource allocation.

Secondly, hidden power is evident as senior management manipulates the flow of information and resources by setting the project agenda deciding which issues are prioritized and which are overlooked. Thirdly, latent power is manifest in the way senior management shapes the expectations and desires of team members through the promotion of company culture and values, such as innovation and sustainable development, thus subtly influencing employees' behaviors and objectives. As Foucault (1977) articulated in "The Birth of the Prison", power is not solely exerted through commands but also permeates every level of the organization, enacted through routine monitoring and regulation, a dynamic clearly observable at EcoTech.

A Case Study of Human Agency

In this discussion, we delve into a compelling scenario at EcoTech, where Alex, a senior project engineer, embodies the concept of human agency. Confronted with the corporate mandate for swift project development to meet aggressive market demands, Alex advocates for a methodological pivot towards sustainability and innovation. His proposal, although initially slower, is designed to yield significant long-term benefits, illustrating the strategic foresight lacking in the company's current approach. This case exemplifies how individuals can employ their specialized knowledge and persuasive abilities to challenge and potentially transform. entrenched power dynamics within corporate structures.

The theoretical backing for our analysis is drawn from Anthony Giddens's concept in

"The Constitution of Socigy: An Outline of the Theory of Structuration' (1984), which posits that routine activities can exert a profound influence on the redistribution of resources and the modification of organizational norms. Alex's proactive stance at EcoTech vividly demonstrates how strategic actions can instigate change, even within rigid power structures, serving as a practical application of Giddens's theory.

Furthermore, Alex's initiative highlights the role of individual agency in fostering innovation and driving sustainable practices in the face of traditional, profit-driven business models. His efforts to reshape EcoTech's project development processes emphasize the potential for professional expertise and ethical conviction to align corporate objectives with broader environmental and social goals. This aligns with contemporary discussions in organizational behavior. that advocate for a balance between rapid development and sustainable outcomes. Alex's case at EcoTech not only serves as an exemplar of theoretical principles in action but also encourages a reevaluation of how businesses can integrate ethical considerations into their operational strategies.

The Role of Technology

In the EcoTech project, technology plays a pivotal dual role: it serves as an essential tool for achieving environmental goals while also transforming power dynamics within the organization. Implementing sophisticated project management software enhances data transparency, which empowers team members by strengthening their involvement in decision-making processes. This empowerment may lead to a more balanced distribution of power, potentially smoothing out imbalances between overt and covert power exertions within the company. Furthermore, the integration of this technology reshapes various work and communication practices, subtly influencing team member behaviors and shaping their expectations.

The nuanced analysis of the EcoTech project underscores the intricate interplay of power dynamics, human agency, and technology within the organizational setting. This scenario demonstrates how these elements converge to create a complex, interactive system that impacts innovation and operational efficiency. Lukes' theoretical framework provides a solid foundation for examining these interactions, emphasizing the multidimensional aspects of power within organizational structures. Meanwhile, Clegg's critique reinforces the need to consider the unpredictability and diverse nature of individual behaviors, which are essential for driving innovation and effectuating change in contemporary work environments.

By leveraging these theoretical insights, EcoTech can navigate the challenges and opportunities presented by technological integration, ensuring that power dynamics do not hinder but rather enhance the collaborative and innovative potential of its team. This approach not only aligns with modern management strategies but also sets a precedent for other organizations aiming to harmonize technology with human-centric leadership and decision-making processes.

Volunteer Activities: Community Greening Project

The volunteer project I'm involved with focuses on a city greening initiative, orchestrated by local volunteers and supported by various businesses. This environment offers a valuable opportunity to explore power dynamics outside traditional corporate frameworks, particularly examining how human agency manifests in volunteer-driven activities.

Analysis of Power Dynamics in Community Greening Programs

In community greening projects, Steven Lukes' three-dimensional power theory unveils complex, multi-level interactions and conflicts. Local governments prominently exercise overt power, granting necessary permits and funding which are essential for the projects' initiation and sustainability. Corporations wield covert power by providing sponsorships and resources, subtly steering projects to align with their own sustainability goals, thus integrating corporate social responsibility into their brand strategy.

This use of corporate power also extends to latent dimensions, as companies enhance their market position by shaping public perceptions of their commitment to sustainable practices. Such actions are often designed to influence community sentiment and consumer behavior. favorably, aligning public goodwill with the company's brand image.

On the grassroots level, volunteers and community organizations play a crucial role.

Their direct participation, fueled by local knowledge, allows them to tailor projects to better suit specific community needs. For example, they might choose plant species that are indigenous to the local ecology or design green spaces that cater more effectively to the community's daily activities. This form. of participation not only challenges the traditional top-down power structure but also significantly influences the project's ultimate design and impact.

Robert Putnam in Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Renewal of American Community' (2000), highlights the broader societal benefits of such volunteer activities. He argues that community greening projects do more than just beautify the environment; they enhance social bonds, fostering a sense of trust and mutual aid among community members which, in turn, strengthens the societal structure as a whole.

By examining these dynamics through Lukes' framework, we can see how power in community greening projects operates on various levels, from the overt legal and financial interventions by local governments to the more subtle influences of corporate sponsorship and the grassroots empowerment of community volunteers. Each layer of interaction contributes to a dynamic field of power relations where different stakeholders pursue both shared and divergent goals, reshaping the landscape of community development.

Critique: Human Agency in Voluntary Settings

In Stewart Clegg's "Power and Organizations" (2006), the analysis of human agency in volunteer-driven initiatives provides profound insights, particularly in the context of community greening projects. Clegg illustrates how community leaders leverage their agency to strategically shift resource distribution or challenge detrimental policies from corporate or governmental bodies, which could otherwise undermine long-term communal interests.

Furthermore, the engagement and input from volunteers are shown to refine project goals, shifting the focus from symbolic gestures, like token tree planting, to more substantial efforts that increase actual green spaces.

Amartya Sen's "Development as Freedom" (1999) reinforces this perspective by positing that development should expand individuals freedoms and enable them to realize their aspirations. In the realm of community greening, this theoretical framework manifests through volunteers exerting their agency in project planning and execution. Their participation not only enhances personal and communal agency but also aligns with Sen's broader definition of development, emphasizing empowerment and substantive improvement over superficial achievements.

These insights underscore the critical role of human agency in shaping development projects in ways that are both meaningful and directly responsive to the needs of the community. By integrating the conceptual frameworks of Clegg and Sen, it becomes evident that empowering volunteers in decision-making processes not only enriches their own sense of agency but also contributes significantly to sustainable community development. This approach fosters a more engaged community, where development is not just imposed but collaboratively envisioned and implemented.

Integration of Hawthorne Studies and Modern Times

The Hawthorne studies underscored the significant role of recognition and involvement in boosting productivity, a principle that is equally vital in nonprofit volunteer initiatives.

Specifically, in community greening projects, recognizing each volunteer's contributions can greatly enhance participation and the overall success of the project. Moreover, the film

"Modern Times" critiques the alienation that can arise from unchecked technological advancement and industrialization, paralleling concerns that modern gardening technology, while efficient, should not alienate or displace volunteers.

Jane Jacobs' "The Death and Life of Great American Cities' advocates for the integral role of community residents in urban planning, a concept that aligns with the ethos behind community greening projects. These initiatives not only beautify and improve urban environments but also bolster residents' sense of ownership and belonging to their neighborhoods.

This analysis highlights the interaction between power dynamics, human agency, and both technical and psychological factors in community greening efforts, illustrating a complex yet effective framework for such initiatives. Community volunteerism serves not only as an environmental improvement endeavor but also as a platform. to explore and understand the nuances of social power dynamics. This examination helps shed light on the deep-seated social and psychological forces at play in community activities, emphasizing the need for a balanced and thoughtful approach to the integration of human factors and technology in organizational practices.

Conclusion

Through Lukes framework of power, enriched by Clegg's critique on human agency, this article examines the intricate dynamics within a hypothetical business situation and a volunteer activity I participated in. By integrating insights from the historical Hawthorne studies and the 1936 film "Modern Times," we deepen our understanding of the interplay between power and human agency in shaping both organizational and volunteer settings. This approach not only augments our theoretical grasp but also offers actionable insights for navigating power dynamics across various organizational landscapes.

Reference list

Clegg, S.R. (2006). Power and Organizations. [online] SAGE Publications Ltd. Available at: https://uk.sagepub.com/en-gb/eur/power-and-organizations/book225763.

Foucault, M, (1991). Discipline and punish: the Birth of the prison. S.L.: Penguin Books.

Giddens, A. (1984). The constitution of society outline of the Theory of Structuration;

Cambridge Malden, Ma Polity Press.

Jacobs, J. (1961). The Death and Life of Great American Cities. New York: Vintage Books;

Lukes, S. (2005). Power: a radical view. Basingstole: Palgrave;

Putnam, R.D. (2000). Bowling alone: the Collapse and Revival of American Community.

New York: Simon & Schuster.

Rocthlisberger, F. and Dickson, W.J. (1939). APA PsycNer. online) psycnet apa.org.

Available at: https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1940-00509-000;

Sen, A. (1999). Development as Freedom. Oxford: Oxford University Press,

Wikipedia Contributors (2019). Modern Times (film). [online] Wikipedia. Available at:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_Times_(film).