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The Emerging Concept of the Human-Centered Organization: A Review and Synthesis of the Literature

Author

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  • Maya Townsend

    (Antioch University)

  • A. Georges L. Romme

    (Eindhoven University of Technology)

Abstract

Both practitioners and scholars are increasingly interested in the idea of the human-centered organization. This term first appeared in the late 1950s and has gained attention in the last ten years. Awareness of the need for human-centeredness grew during the COVID-19 pandemic, in which many organizational leaders were compelled to focus on employee health, safety, and well-being. In this paper, we review and synthesize the rather fragmented scholarly and practitioner literature on human-centered organization (HCO) to develop an integrated definition and framework. The 26 sources reviewed in depth indicate that the HCO construct is primarily utilized in two ways. First, human-centered design scholars and practitioners conceive of HCOs as employing human-centered design practices. The second discourse involves the humanistic management and culture literature, which conceives of HCOs as embodying humanistic values and cultures. After reviewing these separate discourses, we synthesize them in an integrated definition as well as framework of HCO. The framework starts from humanistic values such as dignity, well-being, and justice, which are pivotal in creating organizational practices characterized by a common good purpose, positive human experiences on the job, team structures to coordinate work, and participatory tools and approaches.

Suggested Citation

  • Maya Townsend & A. Georges L. Romme, 2024. "The Emerging Concept of the Human-Centered Organization: A Review and Synthesis of the Literature," Humanistic Management Journal, Springer, vol. 9(1), pages 53-74, April.
  • Handle: RePEc:spr:humman:v:9:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1007_s41463-024-00168-w
    DOI: 10.1007/s41463-024-00168-w
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Jody Hoffer Gittell & Leigh Weiss, 2004. "Coordination Networks Within and Across Organizations: A Multi‐level Framework," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 41(1), pages 127-153, January.
    2. David Korten, 2019. "What Will it Take for Business to Improve Lives?," Humanistic Management Journal, Springer, vol. 4(1), pages 101-110, July.
    3. A. Georges L. Romme & Gerard Endenburg, 2006. "Construction Principles and Design Rules in the Case of Circular Design," Organization Science, INFORMS, vol. 17(2), pages 287-297, April.
    4. John M. Amis & Royston Greenwood, 2021. "Organisational Change in a (Post‐) Pandemic World: Rediscovering Interests and Values," Journal of Management Studies, Wiley Blackwell, vol. 58(2), pages 582-586, March.
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