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The Functionary, the Citizen, and the Engineer
Author(s) -
Bella David A.,
Jenkins Chris H.
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
journal of engineering education
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.896
H-Index - 108
eISSN - 2168-9830
pISSN - 1069-4730
DOI - 10.1002/j.2168-9830.1993.tb00071.x
Subject(s) - objectivity (philosophy) , productivity , action (physics) , order (exchange) , rest (music) , epistemology , sociology , psychology , public relations , social psychology , political science , business , economics , philosophy , medicine , physics , cardiology , finance , quantum mechanics , macroeconomics
Knowledge and action rest upon a background of shared expectations. ‘Technology’ refers to a particular background of expectations. Key words are: efficiency, productivity, utility, order, control, and objectivity. If, however, such expectations are carried too far, the behavior of mere functionaries becomes established: one becomes preoccupied with the completion of assignments with no time or inclination for the asking of troublesome questions. This paper examines one of the consequences of such behavior. A model is presented illustrating how organizational systems selectively distort assessments. Within such systems, favorable information is more likely to survive and thus a distorting tendency emerges. Such systemic distortions do not require individual fraud or deceit; the ‘normal’ behaviors of functionaries suffice. We claim that these functionary practices arise from taking the technological expectations too far. Examples are presented. Suggestions on avoiding functionary behavior and systemic distortions are discussed. We suggest that greater emphasis be given to the notion of ‘citizen engineers’.