Aesthetics from a design perspective

Abstract

PurposeThis paper aims to explore the relationship between aspects of aesthetics and the performance of organizations. It outlines a research agenda for studying the impact of aesthetic factors upon organizational design and change.Design/methodology/approachIn the paper, a set of seven propositions is developed to address various aspects of organizational performance that are influenced by beauty in organizations. These propositions are based on a distinction between the concepts process aesthetics, product aesthetics and aesthetic sensibility.FindingsThe hypotheses suggest that organizational performance might be enhanced by the beauty of products and services, and indirectly by the aesthetics of organizational work processes, organizational structures, the personal well‐being of employees and organizational designers with a high degree of aesthetic sensibility.Research limitations/implicationsThe hypothesis in this paper should be tested by future researchers.Practical implicationsThe paper might enhance the awareness of practitioners of the practical value of aestheticsOriginality/valueThe paper adds to the new field of organizational aesthetics a performance‐oriented approach based on a design perspective.