On methodological individualism, holism and management in the light “Tectology” by A.A. Bogdanov

Abstract

The consideration for the improvement of the efficiency of social economy made researchers look for names, views and methods which were not fully appreciated. This includes the general organizational science which occupies a prominent position by A.A. Bogdanov. There is no doubt that the ideas of A.A. Bogdanov are reflected in systems theory, cybernetics, medicine and philosophy of technology, aesthetics, linguistics and other disciplines. However they had little influence on economy, despite the fact that A.A. Bogdanov was a recognized expert in this area. This paper tries to fill this gap to some extent, and show that the ideas of Tectology are very relevant in modern economic discussions, including in the debate between methodological individualism and methodological holism. A.A. Bogdanov did not set out to study the organization of relations between people in the production process. This is the purpose of modern management. However, his approach to the study of the relationship between an individual and a team, the analysis of the conditions for the appearance of emergent effects in industrial cooperation deserve to be considered in economic theory and in management practice. Moreover, this is correlates to the modern trend to discover and study and, ultimately, use intangible factors of increasing the productivity of social economy in favor of man. In addition, the organizational views of the works of A.A. Bogdanov allow taking a fresh look at the real relationship between methodological holism and methodological individualism both in the structure of management and economy in general.