People or Personnel

People or Personnel by Paul Goodman examines the negative effects of centralized organizational structures and systems in modern society. The book argues for decentralization as a solution to inefficient bureaucracies and concentrations of power. The text combines theoretical analysis with practical examples drawn from Goodman's experiences and observations. His arguments span multiple sectors including education, urban planning, and organizational management, presenting alternative approaches to conventional hierarchical systems. The work emerged from Goodman's academic teachings and earlier published essays, particularly his "Notes on Decentralization" from his University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee seminar. The book includes several appendices featuring previously published articles and public memoranda addressing various institutions. At its core, People or Personnel represents a significant contribution to anarchist philosophy and organizational theory, challenging fundamental assumptions about how modern institutions and systems should be structured. The work stands as a critique of bureaucratic power while offering practical alternatives for social organization.

Readers note this 1965 social criticism's relevance to modern workplace and economic issues, though some find Goodman's writing style dense and academic. Multiple reviewers highlight his arguments about decentralization and human-scale organizations as prescient for today's discussions about remote work and corporate consolidation. Readers appreciated: - Detailed analysis of bureaucracy's effects on individuals - Solutions-focused approach rather than just criticism - Historical examples that remain applicable Common criticisms: - Complex sentence structure and dated language - Repetitive points across chapters - Limited statistical evidence for claims Ratings: Goodreads: 3.9/5 (46 ratings) Amazon: Not enough reviews for rating Sample review quote: "Goodman saw issues with centralized power and inhuman scale organizations that we're still grappling with. His proposed alternatives feel relevant to current debates about work and community." - Goodreads reviewer The book appears more frequently cited in academic works than consumer reviews, with limited presence on major review platforms.

The Human Scale by Kirkpatrick Sale Studies how large-scale centralized systems fail human needs and presents historical cases for decentralized alternatives.

Tools for Conviviality by Ivan Illich Examines how institutional structures and technological systems can be redesigned to serve human freedom rather than constrain it.

The Ecology of Freedom by Murray Bookchin Traces the development of social hierarchies and presents a framework for ecological, decentralized societies.

Small is Beautiful by E. F. Schumacher Analyzes the problems of large-scale economic systems and proposes human-scale alternatives in production and organization.

The Production of Space by Henri Lefebvre Explores how social and political power structures shape physical spaces and human interactions within them.

🔸 The book's 1965 release coincided with the peak of Goodman's influence as a public intellectual, when he was frequently featured in publications like The New York Review of Books and Commentary 🔸 Goodman's ideas about decentralization heavily influenced the Free School Movement of the 1960s and helped inspire the creation of alternative education models still used today 🔸 The author drew from his unique background as both an academic and a practicing psychotherapist, bringing clinical insights into his analysis of organizational behavior 🔸 The book's concepts about community-based organization became foundational texts for the New Left movement and influenced activists like Martin Luther King Jr. in their approach to social change 🔸 Though written over 50 years ago, many of the book's warnings about technological centralization are considered prescient in today's discussions about big tech and digital privacy