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| Author: | Kieser, A. |
| Title: | From asceticism to administration of Wealth. Medieval monasteries and the pitfalls of rationalization. |
| Journal: | Organization Studies
1987 : VOL. 8:2, p. 103-123 |
| Index terms: | ECONOMIC HISTORY CHRISTIANITY WEALTH BUREAUCRACY ORGANIZATION THEORY |
| Language: | eng |
| Abstract: | Analysis of medieval monasteries provides the first example of the "iron cage" of bureaucracies as described in Weber's concept. Their importance for modern work organizations has been stressed by sociologists, but analysis has never been done. Work organization was most highly developed by Benedictines. This evolution led to the contrast of the idea of ascetic life and the wealth produced by efficient organization. Cistercians introduced "protestant" ethics but achieved even higher efficiency and thus the logic of rationalization prevailed again. This analysis illustrates the problem of organizations producing results which contradict the intensions of their members. |
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