Limits to economic growth and technical efficiency in alternative organizations: sufficiency and conviviality

Abstract

This research investigated a community association whose way of organizing showed misalignment with the dominant organizational model. The results point to the term “limits” as a link to establish an organizational mode oriented toward “sufficiency” and “conviviality” as an alternative to economic growth and technical efficiency, characteristics of the dominant organizational logic. Sufficiency was characterized by the qualitative experience of the present moment, with an appreciation of simplicity and good living, elaborated from the renouncement of work aimed at the accumulation of material goods. Conviviality was demonstrated through the appreciation of affective relationships in detriment of results based on performance; conducting the organization through intuitive and contingency procedures to the detriment of formal planning; the development of emancipatory skills to achieve autonomy in the face of the industrial system and, finally, learning through free experimentation. The notion of “limits” in the organization studied is also in line with a narrative of renouncing the dominant model and of human and nature sacralization. The discussion notes that the search for emancipation from technical domination can raise other forms of domination. In addition, the discussion points out the need for more precise definitions regarding the differentiation between conventional and alternative organizations since some characteristics that the literature attributes to alternative organizations are appropriated by the dominant model. Finally, it suggests that “technical efficiency” and “capitalist modes of organization” do not necessarily constitute interdependent categories.

Keywords:
Alternative organizations; New organizational forms; Limits to economic growth and technical efficiency; Sufficiency and conviviality