Self-Actualization sucks too! In my previous post I briefly presented a case against Behaviorism, especially as a source for management technique. However, the author addresses his concerns with the self-actualization approach to management as well, so I wanted to present the Biblical view of this psychology. The author speaks of the idea that some companies have tried (and failed) using "create your own job title" (and other) techniques that have their foundation in the psychology of self-actualization.

I agree with the author in his statement that there are too many problems with this. However, from my Biblical worldview, here are the reasons that I disagree with this approach. The biggest problem is with the first word... "self". This approach is self-centered approach, and self-centered never works for the greater good of the whole community. Self-actualization virtually places "self" at the center of the universe. One of the problems with that is that if I am the center of the universe, then how can you be the center of the universe at the same time? Self only reinforces the idea that one will do what is best for themselves, and that can leave the company at the mercy of a bunch of individuals that are only out for their own best interests. This becomes a problem when things like increased productivity and greater personal investment starts to conflict with personal desires like more time off and easier tasks to accomplish.

In the Biblical view, God becomes the center of "actualization", rather than self. When we are God-centered, then our actions are defined by His purpose for our lives. This view holds that we were created by Him, and therefore our purpose is defined by Him. It's like a bicycle... When an inventor created the bicycle, they also defined it's purpose. Every created thing has to live up to one question... "what is it's purpose?". As God's creation, He has given us a sense of purpose and meaning. We did not create ourselves, so our purpose cannot be defined by ourselves.

Whether you believe in God or not, you simply cannot deny the fact that we all have a need for a greater purpose, a reason to be. Regardless of what you believe, you still probably want your life to mean something. To me it is this search for significance and this desire for our lives to mean something that is the source of motivation that we can tap into from management.

Basically, it is a selfless-awareness that helps us to gain productivity. In a business, it is about getting people to "buy-in" to the overall vision and purpose of the business, and then connecting that to the dreams and visions of the individuals in the organization. An organization of self-centered individuals is doomed to fail once "self" overtakes "community", even just a little bit...