Aesthetics from a design perspective
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the relationship between aspects of aesthetics and the performance of organizations. It outlines a research agenda for studying the impact of aesthetic factors upon organizational design and change.
Design/methodology/approach
In the paper, a set of seven propositions is developed to address various aspects of organizational performance that are influenced by beauty in organizations. These propositions are based on a distinction between the concepts process aesthetics, product aesthetics and aesthetic sensibility.
Findings
The hypotheses suggest that organizational performance might be enhanced by the beauty of products and services, and indirectly by the aesthetics of organizational work processes, organizational structures, the personal well‐being of employees and organizational designers with a high degree of aesthetic sensibility.
Research limitations/implications
The hypothesis in this paper should be tested by future researchers.
Practical implications
The paper might enhance the awareness of practitioners of the practical value of aesthetics
Originality/value
The paper adds to the new field of organizational aesthetics a performance‐oriented approach based on a design perspective.
Keywords
Citation
Weggeman, M., Lammers, I. and Akkermans, H. (2007), "Aesthetics from a design perspective", Journal of Organizational Change Management, Vol. 20 No. 3, pp. 346-358. https://doi.org/10.1108/09534810710740173
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2007, Emerald Group Publishing Limited