THE CONCEPT OF RESPONSIBILITY: SOME IMPLICATIONS FOR ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOUR AND DEVELOPMENT

ABSTRACT Two approaches to the conceptualization of responsibility in organizations are suggested. (1) Seen as an objective statement of employees’ responsibilities as defined for them in formal terms. (2) As a subjective belief held by employees regarding their role and obligations in relation to specific events. The significance of the subjectivist conceptualization for understanding employee motivation is considered, especially where employees place a negative value on the moral implications of their formal role. Management theory, incorporating the objective definition, typically serves to manipulate persons’ subjective sense of responsibility. The case for countering or replacing such control‐oriented theory through the enhancement of persons’ critical moral awareness is considered. Although the ethical appeal is considerable, scepticism is raised as to the possibility of doing more than sensitize theorists and practitioners to the issues involved.