The validity of the classics of organization theory as a response to current problems

Abstract

The objective of this work is to analyze, from the perspective of organizational theory, the relevance of organizational factors such as Burnout syndrome and work-related stress that negatively impact human resources’ health in organizations. According to the World Health Organization (WHO, 2022), 75% of Mexican workers suffer from Burnout syndrome due to fatigue or work-related stress, making Mexico the country with the highest work-related stress levels globally. Business strategies such as salary increases have had no effect, as the causes of these issues are related to factors such as psychological safety, psychological growth, the development of a healthy human relations-based environment, and leadership style. This study is based on the theoretical framework of “new human relations,” which argues that the informal structure is a pathological result of the formal structure. A review of theorists such as Bennis, McGregor, Argyris, and Herzberg, who serve as theoretical foundations to explain current organizational problems, is conducted. These foundations have been misunderstood or underutilized in addressing a phenomenon that affects us globally, particularly with negative loops such as salary increases that result in inflationary pressures.