Managing a Cyborg - Managing Oneself : A Transhumanist Perspective on Human-centered Management
Type
conference paper
Date Issued
2015-11-05
Author(s)
Abstract
In his famous text on Managing Oneself, Peter Drucker points out that the ability to manage oneself is crucial for the knowledge worker of the 21st century. He states that "knowledge workers . . . will have to learn to place themselves where they can make the greatest contribution; they will have to learn how to develop themselves." This is firmly embedded in one of Drucker's guiding ideas, namely that management is not a mere technical task, but primarily a human-centered activity.
However, the advent of a transhuman age that will change the very understanding of what it means to be a human being will have profound consequences for thinking about human-centered management.
With this essay, I present some thoughts on what implications the convergence of nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology and cognitive sciences (NBIC convergence) that is currently going on at a rapid pace - and will sooner or later lead us into a transhuman era, where the boundaries between "natural" humans and "artificial" machines will blur and potentially disappear at some point - will have on managing ourselves. I do so by firstly outlining how Drucker's approach to managing oneself is firmly embedded in his human-centered management philosophy. Secondly, I briefly outline the technological advances that propel us into a transhuman era. Thirdly, I attempt to answer Drucker's guiding questions about managing oneself against the background of transhumanism. Finally, I conclude and point to some implications of my thinking.
However, the advent of a transhuman age that will change the very understanding of what it means to be a human being will have profound consequences for thinking about human-centered management.
With this essay, I present some thoughts on what implications the convergence of nanotechnology, biotechnology, information technology and cognitive sciences (NBIC convergence) that is currently going on at a rapid pace - and will sooner or later lead us into a transhuman era, where the boundaries between "natural" humans and "artificial" machines will blur and potentially disappear at some point - will have on managing ourselves. I do so by firstly outlining how Drucker's approach to managing oneself is firmly embedded in his human-centered management philosophy. Secondly, I briefly outline the technological advances that propel us into a transhuman era. Thirdly, I attempt to answer Drucker's guiding questions about managing oneself against the background of transhumanism. Finally, I conclude and point to some implications of my thinking.
Language
English
Keywords
Peter Drucker
Self-Management
Transhumanism
HSG Classification
not classified
Refereed
Yes
Publisher
Peter Drucker Society
Start page
1
End page
6
Pages
6
Event Title
7th Global Drucker Forum
Event Location
Wien
Event Date
05.-06.11.2015
Subject(s)
Division(s)
Eprints ID
243779