Exploring the Tensions in Organizational Theories

Abstract

Today’s organizations cannot survive through the application of old theories which are considered obsolete. However, some of these ‘old theories’ still maintain their relevance in the operation of businesses today. The complexity and dynamism of the world have introduced more tensions in organizational theories as some of the theories were introduced with the intention of refuting existing theories. Each new theory had it own assumptions, characteristics and hypothetical beliefs which made them attract relevance when they were first introduced because they were assumed to fill an existing gap. This paper explores some of these theories and maintains that the tensions they create is borne out of the battle for superiority when non can actually solve all organizational problems.