On Thu, 1 Aug 1996 08:00:05 -0400 Rich said:
>Compare and contrast may have been a better choice of words.
>
>I have a yet unproven ASSERTION. Here it is.
>
>The Christian Bible is a document that deals primarily with the
>relationship between God and man (generic). However, it also gives
>considerable space to the relationships between man and man, and the
>interactions of organizations (nations). It has been my experience
>(limited, I agree) that the good management practices find their
>fundamental principles in this document. Do I mean that someone looked
>there and then wrote their management principle? - no. But rather:
>
> "That which has been is that which will be,
> And that which has been done is that which will be done.
> So there is nothing new under the sun." Ecclesiastes 1:9
Thanks for the response.
Several times I have seen the recomendation for Jesus, CEO, and I will get
a copy. I would also recommend, "The Politics of Jesus" by Yoder, for an
excellent look at some evidence for the political/social positions that
Jesus took in his lifetime. It is a book that is written for theologians
by an author whose primary language is German. Not the easiest reader,
but excellent material for those able to wade through the presentation. I
will get more info on the book if there is interest.
I find it interesting that the church has been mentioned as an example of
effecient functioning of the heirachical organization. My experience,
through bible study and a personal relationship, has been that the mission
of the Church was _not_ to be so! Trying to find good references to
follow on an organization, as laid out in the chapter of Acts in the
Bible, has been a challange for me. I have subscribed to Leadership
magazine. It is intended for pastors, but I find the presentation of the
issues facing management to be refreshingly presented.
I have found the LO concepts, of which I am familar, to also be refreshing
as compared to other management theories. I must admit that I have not
put as much energy into learning all I could about LO's. Perhaps, as
Clyde discussed, I am avoiding the embracing of these ideas from a place
of fear. What I am aware of is that Senge's book does not excite me to sit
through a concentrated reading. What I read I do not disagree with, it
feels like old information to me, and yet he clearly has some unique
packaging, or structure, around these ideas. Other recent works, outside
of religion, have held my interest. I think there was a clearer tie to
the spiritual realm there. Perhaps that is the issue. Even tho I agree
LO concepts are not in any opposition to Christian principles, I find a
lack of stated connection to my powerful spiritual realities. I'll keep
plugging.
Thanks for this thread,
--Sherry Blanchard Gould s_gould@conknet.com 3210 State Rte. 114 603 938-2613 Bradford, NH 03221 fax 603 588-6219
Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>