Introduction

Abstract

Across cultures, religions and philosophies of life, thinkers have contemplated about human nature. Why do people feel as they feel? What makes people act as they act? What motivates people? The question about the basic nature of humans has powerfully influenced human relations in our society. For instance, Hobbes’ points of view on the behavior of humans such as: “if any two men desire the same thing, which neverthelesse they cannot both enjoy, they become enemies” have been particularly influencing ideas about the authority and sovereignty of states. With respect to organizations, conceptions about the nature of man have also strongly influenced theories of human organizations and human organizations themselves. For example, Taylor’s view expressed in statements as: “The natural laziness of men is serious” or, “There is no question that the tendency of the average man (in all walks of life) is toward working at a slow, easy gait” has influenced organizational architecture in a way that organizations have placed emphasis on strong managerial control and bureaucratic hierarchy.