'The architecture of organisations': Thoughts on the notions of architecture and culture

International audienceArt history may help us to raise some useful questions regarding the transformations of management and organisations. The introduction of iron in architecture during the 19th century has caused a major transformation. The efficient use of iron has given a primary role to calculus as opposed to the traditional practice of drawing. The engineer, has imposed himself as a new actor. We can identify in management history periods of calculus vs. others of drawing. The role of the material, of its normalisation, the techniques to use it in the best way, are also questioned through corporate culture seen as the guaranty of predictable behaviours from the individuals, who compose the firm