The Chimpanzees’ Tea Party: A New Metaphor for Project Managers

Authors

Helga Drummond, Institute of Public Administration and Management, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK
Julia Hodgson, Institute of Public Administration and Management, University of Liverpool, Liverpool L69 3BX, UK

Document Type

Research Article

Abstract

This paper addresses the problem of information technology systems failure. It is argued that conventional approaches to project management assume that success depends upon imposing control. This paper invokes a novel metaphor, namely the chimpanzees’ tea party, for highlighting the limits of this assumption and showing how control-based approaches to project management can be counterproductive. Paradoxically, situations may arise where projects can be more effectively controlled by not attempting to impose control. Mind is the forerunner of everything. Mind is sovereign. All things are generated by mind. (Dhamnapadi, verse 1)

DOI

10.1080/0268396032000122123

Recommended Citation

Drummond, Helga and Hodgson, Julia (2003) "The Chimpanzees’ Tea Party: A New Metaphor for Project Managers," Journal of Information Technology: Vol. 18: Iss. 3, Article 1.
DOI: 10.1080/0268396032000122123
Available at: https://aisel.aisnet.org/jit/vol18/iss3/1