A New Paradigm Paradigm blindness is a term used to describe the phenomena that occurs when the dominant paradigm prevents one from seeing viable alternatives. A dominant paradigm, made obsolete by a dramatically changed external environment, often continues to blind its participants both to its lack of utility and to other potential options. Such is the case with the classical school of management. The average human being can find work a source of satisfaction. Most employees are capable of exercising autonomy and independence on the job.
Most people come to work wanting to do the best job they can.
The answers lie within the human relations school and quality management movement that seek to encourage and capitalize on employee trust, loyalty, and cooperation in the work place. Within this new culture of faith, administration's attention is redirected from controlling people to controlling the systems of work. In terms of human resources, the role of the administrator becomes one of team facilitator, counselor, coach, and encourager, rather than expert, overseer, enforcer, and judge. Time, previously spent managing and controlling people, is freed to manage systems. Extension work is viewed systemically as series of processes that can always be improved.