Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
Mary Parker Follett (1868-1933) was a pioneering American social worker, management consultant, and political scientist. She is considered a foundational thinker in the fields of organizational behavior, conflict resolution, and public administration. In an era dominated by scientific management and hierarchical control, Follett challenged conventional wisdom by advocating for a more participatory and collaborative approach to organizational life. She firmly believed that resolving conflicts wasn’t about domination by one party, but about finding integrative solutions that met the needs of all involved, fostering interdependence and building harmonious social structures. Her work, though often overlooked during her lifetime, has gained significant recognition for its prescience and enduring relevance in modern organizational theory and practice.
Follett’s Core Principles: Interdependence and Collaboration
Follett’s central argument revolved around the concept of ‘integration’. She rejected the traditional ‘either/or’ approach to conflict, advocating instead for a ‘both/and’ perspective. This meant finding solutions that didn’t require one side to win and the other to lose, but rather, solutions that incorporated the insights and needs of all parties. This is achieved through cultivating interdependence and collaboration.
Interdependence
Follett argued that individuals are inherently interdependent within any social system. She believed that recognizing and embracing this interdependence was crucial for effective problem-solving and organizational success. This wasn’t merely a philosophical point; she saw it as a practical necessity. In her view, attempting to operate as isolated entities would inevitably lead to conflict and inefficiency. For example, in a public service delivery system, the departments of health, education, and social welfare are interdependent. Effective service delivery requires collaboration and information sharing, rather than siloed operations.
Collaboration and the Circular Relationship
Follett proposed the concept of the ‘circular relationship’ as a model for effective interaction. Unlike the traditional hierarchical or linear models, the circular relationship emphasizes reciprocal influence and shared responsibility. In this model, individuals don’t simply give orders or follow them; they engage in a continuous process of communication, negotiation, and mutual adjustment. This collaborative approach, she argued, leads to more creative solutions and stronger relationships. She contrasted this with the ‘command’ approach, which she saw as inherently limiting and prone to conflict.
Applying Follett’s Ideas to Conflict Resolution
Follett’s approach to conflict resolution differed significantly from prevailing methods of her time. She rejected both domination and compromise as ideal solutions. Domination, she argued, simply suppressed conflict without addressing its underlying causes, while compromise often resulted in suboptimal outcomes for all parties. Instead, she advocated for ‘integration’ – a process of jointly finding a solution that fulfilled the needs of all involved. This required:
- Understanding the underlying interests: Going beyond stated positions to identify the core needs and concerns of each party.
- Creative problem-solving: Exploring a range of options that could potentially satisfy everyone’s interests.
- Mutual respect and empathy: Creating a safe and open environment for dialogue and negotiation.
Examples in Public Administration
Follett’s principles are highly relevant to contemporary public administration challenges. Consider the issue of urban planning. Traditionally, planning processes have often been top-down, with planners making decisions with limited input from residents. However, a Follettian approach would involve actively engaging residents in the planning process, soliciting their input, and incorporating their needs into the final plan. This collaborative approach can lead to more sustainable and equitable outcomes. Another example is inter-agency coordination during disaster management. Effective disaster response requires seamless collaboration between various government agencies, NGOs, and local communities. Follett’s emphasis on interdependence and shared responsibility is crucial in such situations.
Challenges and Contemporary Relevance
While Follett’s ideas are compelling, implementing them in practice can be challenging. Hierarchical structures, bureaucratic inertia, and power imbalances can all hinder collaboration and integration. Furthermore, the emphasis on consensus-building can be time-consuming and may not be feasible in situations requiring quick decisions. However, her work remains profoundly relevant in today’s complex and interconnected world. Concepts like collaborative governance, public-private partnerships, and stakeholder engagement are all rooted in Follett’s principles. The rise of network governance and the increasing emphasis on citizen participation in policymaking further underscore the enduring value of her ideas.
Conclusion
Mary Parker Follett’s advocacy for interdependence and collaboration offers a powerful framework for understanding and resolving conflicts in organizations and society. Her emphasis on integration, the circular relationship, and the importance of understanding underlying interests remains remarkably relevant in contemporary public administration and organizational theory. While challenges to implementation exist, her work provides a valuable roadmap for building more harmonious, inclusive, and effective social structures, moving beyond traditional hierarchical models towards a more collaborative and participatory approach to governance.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.