A comparison of six administrative concerns as expressed by Maslow and Maritain.
Creators: name: D'Alonzo, Alfred F.
Publisher: name: Université d'Ottawa / University of Ottawa
Year: 1978
Subjects: subject: Psychology, Social.

description: The purpose of this study is to compare two humanistic viewpoints regarding six selected administrative concerns. Abraham Maslow and Jacques Maritain have been designated as the subjects of this project. The specific intention of this study is to compare Maslow's and Maritain's thinking in its evolved state about a set of six selected administrative factors. This thesis attempts to respond to the following questions. (1) Are there points of congruency in the comparison between Maslow's and Maritain's observations regarding the six selected administrative concerns? (2) Are there differences noted in the comparison between Maslow's and Maritain's observations regarding the six selected administrative concerns? Concurrent themes which emerge from their observations about the particular concept examined are also appraised for congruency and differences. Chapter one reveals that the concepts of man that Maslow and Maritain formulate are not identical. They use similar terms in describing man's characteristics and emphasize the same qualities in dipscussing his uniqueness. However, their interpretations of these ideas are different. Despite this fact, both authors view man as a unique creature endowed with singular qualities. In chapter two, the concept of interaction is examined in terms of communication and relationships. Maslow and Maritain agree that relationships are co-natural to man; that interactions foster growth; that negative results stem from a lack of healthy interactions; that communication is a means of exerting an influence on people; and that friendship serves as a model for good interpersonal relationships. However, Maritain alone attributes ethical considerations to human interaction. It is noted that although there is agreement regarding observations, the explanations of the ideas are different. In chapter three, the concept of participation is compared. Maslow and Maritain support the ideas that the members of an organization should participate in regulating its affairs, and that participation in these matters could be valid growth experiences. However, Maslow views partnership as a feeling experienced by employees as a consequence of participation, while Maritain conceives it as a real alliance which provides avenues for participation. In chapter four, the concept of leadership is compared. Maslow and Maritain concur in defining the role of the humanistic leader, they agree that the leadership function entails maintaining a viable organization and advancing the welfare of workers. They concur in stating that leadership requires specific characteristics along with a commitment. They agree also, that it is possible to identify the ideal leader and that the leader should be able to confront the changing future. In all these conclusions the authors' explanations of their views differ. In chapter five, the comparison is about the concept of authority. Maslow and Maritain endorse the democratic concept of governance and management. They concur that the prime characteristic of the democratic concept is human concern, and that autocratic forms of governance deny a person his dignity. They agree also that the leader is the person who has authority and that a democratic commitment is a necessary part of the leadership requirement. In those areas of congruency it appears that the observations of each are based on different premises. In chapter six the comparison is with reference to the concept of incentives. The thinking of the authors is congruent in stating that incentives extend beyond monetary considerations; that a good healthy organizational climate is a valid work incentive; and that fellowship is also a legitimate human incentive. They disagree about the influence of capitalism on the availability and kinds of inducements. It also appears that the authors' explanations of their positions differ. (Abstract shortened by UMI.)