Question

The Fusion Process Theory, developed by Argyris and Bakke, suggests:

I. The organization seeks self-actualisation, while the individual seeks socialisation.

II. It describes the simultaneous operation of the personalising and socialising processes.

III. The individual uses the organization primarily to enforce external control and punishment.

Which of the following is correct?

• A. I only
• B. II only
• C. I and II only
• D. I, II, and III

Answer 1

Answer:

B. II only

Fusion Process Theory - Argyris and Bakke

The Fusion Process Theory, developed by Chris Argyris and E. Wight Bakke, attempts to explain the relationship between an individual and an organization.

Core Concepts:

• Fusion: This theory posits that a dynamic process of fusion occurs when an individual and an organization interact. It's about how their needs and objectives can be integrated or clash.
• Dual Needs: The theory highlights that both the individual and the organization have distinct needs and goals. The organization needs task completion and efficiency, while the individual seeks self-actualization, growth, and satisfaction.
• Personalizing Process: This refers to the individual's drive towards self-expression, growth, and achieving personal goals within the organizational context.
• Socializing Process: This refers to the organization's efforts to shape individuals to conform to its norms, values, and objectives, ensuring efficient functioning.

Key Propositions of the Theory:

• Simultaneous Operation: The theory correctly states that the personalizing process (individual's needs) and the socializing process (organization's needs) operate simultaneously. The success of the organization often depends on how well these two processes are integrated.
• Potential for Conflict: Argyris and Bakke identified that a natural tension exists between the individual's need for autonomy and self-expression, and the organization's need for control and standardization.
• Self-Actualization vs. Socialization (Distinction from Statement I): Statement I suggests the organization seeks 'self-actualisation' and the individual seeks 'socialisation'. This is a misrepresentation. While individuals often seek self-actualization (personal growth and fulfillment), organizations primarily seek efficiency, goal achievement, and survival, not necessarily self-actualization in the humanistic sense. Individuals, on the other hand, seek personal fulfillment, not just socialization (which implies conforming to the group).
• Control and Punishment (Distinction from Statement III): Statement III suggests the individual uses the organization primarily for external control and punishment. This contradicts the core tenets of the Fusion Process Theory. The theory implies individuals join organizations to fulfill personal needs and achieve goals, not to enforce external control on others or to be subjected to it as a primary motivation. While control mechanisms exist, they are not the individual's primary driver according to this theory.

Relevance to Administration:

Understanding the Fusion Process Theory is crucial for administrators as it helps in:

• Designing jobs and work environments that better integrate individual needs with organizational goals.
• Developing effective leadership styles that can manage the inherent tension between personalization and socialization.
• Reducing employee alienation and improving overall organizational effectiveness by acknowledging and addressing the dual needs of individuals and the organization.

Exam Focus:

When studying this theory for exams, focus on the interplay between individual and organizational needs, the concepts of personalizing and socializing processes, and the potential for conflict and integration. Distinguish it from theories that focus solely on rational-economic or purely social motivations.