Metaphor Of The Panopticon

Introduction
The panopticon is a highly discussed topic in organisations today due to the effects it has brought (Simon 2005). This essay will be examining it as a metaphor for life today. Given the limit, the structure is to identify the panopticon and identify areas in organisations (3 of the 5 organisations as identified by Henry Mintzberg 1988) and society today where is fits as a metaphor. This will be followed by a discussion in relation to Michel Foucault’s work whilst drawing upon various examples within contemporary organisations and society to conclude on whether it is a good metaphor or not.
The Panopticon
This is a model proposed by Jeremy Bentham in the late 19th century. The model represented the prison and its structure. The
is in reality methods of monitoring. Methods of monitoring bring back the self-assessment and self-evaluation within the individuals. It becomes a routine for them. Continuous practices on the job, ongoing quantification of production etc. all behave as the gaze in the panopticon (Simon 2005). Each individual in this case would behave according to the rules and guideline knowing that if they don’t, it will show up in one of the technological methods of monitoring. Thus the panopticon proves to be a good metaphor as it accurately displays the power of knowledge.
More importantly Foucault would be most concerned by Machine Bureaucracy because the structure consists of highly formalised works and therefore power takes form through monitoring. The workers are monitored according to the set tasks and standard designs. Everything is done according to the requirements even though the workers have empowerment over how they get it done most efficiently (Sia and Neo, 2008). The clarified work tasks and defined processes of work make the control and disciplining process simpler. This is widely seen in many organisations