Journal of Technical Writing and Communication Jan 1982

Managerial Theory and Technical Writing: Get a Job

Stephen J. Curley

Abstract

We may discover the basis for a humanistic rhetoric of technical writing by examining managerial theories of human behavior. Complaints about the deficiencies of writers and their work correspond remarkably to complaints about the deficiencies of employees and their work. And both sets of complaints may actually be related to the traditional Theory X of human behavior, held by managers and teachers of writing. An alternative managerial theory proposed by Douglas McGregor, Theory Y, suggests ways to encourage an individual's initiative and to satisfy the organization's goals simultaneously. Since technical writing weds the worlds of writing and working, this managerial theory can provide a sound basis for a rhetorical theory that encourages a writer's initiative and satisfies the goals of writing simultaneously. The letter of application for employment illustrates how Theory Y works.

Journal
Journal of Technical Writing and Communication
Published
1982-01-01
DOI
10.2190/3p25-urh1-j1dw-j112
CompPile
Open Access
Closed
Topics
modern rhetorical theory rhetorical criticism technical communication
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References (7)

  1. Melville H., Moby-Dick, W. W. Norton, New York, p. 155, 1967.
  2. McGregor D. (1980)
    The Human Side of Enterprise
  3. Pirsig R., Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance, Bantam, New York, p. 69, 1975.
  4. Maslow A. H. (1964)
    Readings in Managerial Psychology
  5. Townsend R., Up the Organization, Knopf, New York, p. 141, 1970.
Show all 7 →
  1. Aristotle (1971)
    The Works of Aristotle
  2. Quintilianus M. F., Institutio Oratorio, Little C. E. (ed.), George Peabody College for Teachers, Nashville, …
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