Abstract
In the following paper, Bernard’s Systems approach has been used to analyze one of the most extensive and influential co-operative social organisations in the world- The Ramakrishna Math and Mission. The paper looks at the various aspects of the organization’s administration through the prism of Bernard’s administrative theory and paints a comparative analysis between the theory and the organization’s working mechanism.
INTRODUCTION:
Chester Irving Bernard, from belonging to a lower middle class family in Malden, Massachusetts rose up the social ladder to occupy one of the biggest executive positions in America when he became the president of the Bell Telephone Company in 1928. While holding this prestigious position for more than …show more content…
Bernard defines an organization as a system of consciously coordinated activities within individuals. These are individuals who are willing to communicate, contribute action and achieve a common purpose. These features are evident in the very foundation of the Mission. Swami Vivekananda, along with his fellow devotees had a common purpose: the propagation of the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna. Ramakrishna’s ideals of searching of the divinity within one’s self, reaching God through social service, and maintaining harmony of all religions formed the cornerstones of the Ramakrishna Mission. In order to achieve these objectives, the Math and Mission were established as outlets of achieving the common purpose. With Vivekananda as the General President, the monks of the Mission collectively decided to bring in specific rules for the smooth functioning of the organization. Even here, like Bernard’s co-operative society, the decision was taken by all the disciples collectively and not merely by the individual who holds the authority. Hence, to bring in formalization within the structure, rules were drafted and created which later became legally binding under the Trust Deed registered in the name of the Mission during
In the following paper, Bernard’s Systems approach has been used to analyze one of the most extensive and influential co-operative social organisations in the world- The Ramakrishna Math and Mission. The paper looks at the various aspects of the organization’s administration through the prism of Bernard’s administrative theory and paints a comparative analysis between the theory and the organization’s working mechanism.
INTRODUCTION:
Chester Irving Bernard, from belonging to a lower middle class family in Malden, Massachusetts rose up the social ladder to occupy one of the biggest executive positions in America when he became the president of the Bell Telephone Company in 1928. While holding this prestigious position for more than …show more content…
Bernard defines an organization as a system of consciously coordinated activities within individuals. These are individuals who are willing to communicate, contribute action and achieve a common purpose. These features are evident in the very foundation of the Mission. Swami Vivekananda, along with his fellow devotees had a common purpose: the propagation of the teachings of Sri Ramakrishna. Ramakrishna’s ideals of searching of the divinity within one’s self, reaching God through social service, and maintaining harmony of all religions formed the cornerstones of the Ramakrishna Mission. In order to achieve these objectives, the Math and Mission were established as outlets of achieving the common purpose. With Vivekananda as the General President, the monks of the Mission collectively decided to bring in specific rules for the smooth functioning of the organization. Even here, like Bernard’s co-operative society, the decision was taken by all the disciples collectively and not merely by the individual who holds the authority. Hence, to bring in formalization within the structure, rules were drafted and created which later became legally binding under the Trust Deed registered in the name of the Mission during