Marxist-based critique of OR

The main Marxist arguments' were directed largely at technical rather than practical OR, and can be summarized as follows:

Point 1: OR has a mistaken view of its own purpose and rationality. It sees itself as an objective, value- free application of science to the common good. In fact, it is neither objective nor value-free, but a part of the developing means of production, committed to improving the effective use and control of the workforce.

Point 2: Indeed, far from being neutral, OR is ideological - it suppresses open discussion and con- sideration of ends and values in favour of a technical selection of efficient means. It trades on the label 'scientific' to justify particular, instrumental, values.

Point 3: Where differing interests and values are recognized, as in Ackoff's work" 12, it is assumed that an agreeable reconciliation can always be reached. This is denied by critics'" 14 who argue that there are genuine, structural conflicts which cannot be resolved consensually, but only through the exercise of power. Apparent agreement will, in reality, maintain the status quo.

(Source: Minger, 1992)

References

• Hales, M. (1974) Management science and the 'second industrial revolution'. Rad. Sci. 1, 5-28.
• Mingers, J. (1992). Recent developments in critical management science. Journal of the Operational Research Society, 43(1), 1-10.
• Rosenhead, J. and C. Thunhurst, C., (1982). A materialist analysis of operational research. J. Opl Res. Soc. 33, 111-122.
• Wood S and Kelly J. (1978) Towards a critical management science. J. Mgt Studies 15, 1-24.