Abstract
Foucault-inspired organization theory hasinterpreted the Enlightenment effort to make reason thefoundation for human freedom as a failure. Reason isseen as developing into disciplinary knowledge, which dominates modern organizations and theindividuals who live and work in them. In fact, theindividual s very identity is the means by which theindividual is enslaved. Knowledge is thus seen asnowhere separate from power. In this essay, I will usea concept of traditional authority to examineFoucault-inspired organization theory and itspower/knowledge conceptual framework in terms of theirethical and cultural implications. This will includeFoucault s influence on both the literature in criticalorganization theory and postmodern organization theory.My approach will highlight the Foucault-inspired misinterpretation of the effect of theEnlightenment on modern organizations, its rejection ofthe authority of the past as a basis for moral order,and its impossible attempt to find freedom through the destruction of cultural authority.
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