Timeless Management Principles:
Paternalism Is "Treating an Adult like a Child" Two attempts have been made so far to solve the problems of industrial citizenship: industrial paternalism and industrial unionism. Both have failed to solve the problem........ Peter F. Drucker
The Concept of the Corporation "How Well Does it Work," 1964 |
Eliminating Financial Worries Is not Paternalism "We all know that the welfare of the enterprises that we are directing is closely bound up with the welfare of our workers, but in attempting to counsel or advise those whom we employ, we must not adopt a paternal attitude. In these times, when independent thought and action should be the order of the day, employees resent an attitude of paternalism. Thomas. J. Watson Sr.
Men-Minutes-Money “New York Savings Bank’s Luncheon,” 1933 |
Do too many corporations confuse caring about the welfare of their employee-owners and paternalism? Has anyone ever written that trying to maximize shareholder value is "shareholder" paternalism? I haven't seen it.
Tom Watson Sr., ever the capitalist, knew that he needed his employee-owners to function efficiently. He worked to ensure his employees were cared for in ways only a corporation could provide but ensured every employee was provided the dignity and responsibility of being an adult - his employees were not children.
Tom Watson Sr., ever the capitalist, knew that he needed his employee-owners to function efficiently. He worked to ensure his employees were cared for in ways only a corporation could provide but ensured every employee was provided the dignity and responsibility of being an adult - his employees were not children.
Peter E. Greulich Insight
April 28, 2013
April 28, 2013