Constraints and pressures
Englishmen never will be slaves: they are free to do whatever the Government
and public opinion allow them to do. George Bernard Shaw
Constraints and pressures may limit an organization's freedom of action, but
they can be lived with - they are not usually sinister and are normally just a
nuisance. They can originate from external or internal sources.
External origin: Every organization is subject to many laws, regulations,
standards, codes of practice and agreements. These cover political,
environmental, health & safety, economic, legal, personnel and similar
issues. In Europe, the 48-hour week and minimum wage are just two
examples. Single-issue groups also
exert pressure and range from Amnesty International and Greenpeace to small
organizations, which may be trying to prevent houses being built on the village
green.
Internal origin: Internal constraints arise as a natural consequence of
running an organization, or providing a measure of control:
Lack of resources -funds, equipment, buildings, material, space,
skills, people, etc.
Internal policies and rules -
which must be conformed to - 24 hour cover to be maintained, no contract staff
to be used, at least one person to be qualified in first aid, etc.
Ethically and socially acceptable
- any discounts to be given equally to all, manager's relatives not to be
employed, no secret deals with competitors, etc.
Enforcers: Organizations or
groups that have the authority to make the organization conform and include:
police, health and safety inspectorate, fire service, tax authorities, equal
opportunities, racial equality, trading standards, planning departments, etc.
Pressure groups: Industry groups -
Trades unions and staff associations, chambers of commerce, user associations,
supplier or buyer cartels. Single-issue
groups - For or against smoking, League against cruel sports. The
media - Radio, television
and the press campaigning on particular 'hot issues'