Mr.

Matthew John Graffham

After you have gained particular knowledge of something you

perceive the world differently. Not only can you grasp or do

something that you couldn’t grasp or do before, but the way you

viewed humanity before has vanished for you. This works for the
52074979
diminutive things as well as the bigger picture. If you learn

management theories you will never look at your boss in the

same light, just as if you discover the meaning of a new word, you

won’t be able to disregard it like you did formerly. Consequently it

becomes problematical to imagine what it is like for an individual

who hasn’t learnt what you’ve learnt. It becomes increasingly

more arduous to understand how conditions were perceived

previous to the knowledge being gained. Periodically I find myself

wishing I hadn’t been given an insight to various management

theories. I often feel an inclination of resentment for analyzing the

inner workings of an educational institution. These feelings

surface when faced with what is now perceived to be wrong,

whereas before it was perceived as the norm. These feelings

surface more when a situation arises which is out of one’s control.

1
 Mr. Matthew John Graffham

It becomes increasingly frustrating to have learnt the accurate

way to perform a task, or deal with an employee, when the way to

perform it is not in your control. When in the role of subordinate

one is faced with increasingly difficult situations, due to the

52074979
higher echelons of administration administering with an

authoritarian management theory, Douglas McGregor, Theory X,

(1960) and in no instance showing an inclination to administer

with an effective, participative management theory, Douglas

McGregor Theory Y, (1960). Coping with the higher echelons of

management ignoring Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of needs,

(1943) and thinking that one is solely motivated by money can

result in moments of profound unhappiness and regret.

If I had never learnt what I now know, I would have continued

with my assigned role, without any hesitation or even a second

thought as to the style of management or the level of needs that

are being satisfied and addressed.

1
 Mr. Matthew John Graffham

Knowing how to deal with this hesitation and how to conduct

one’s self are the characteristics I have had to focus on

developing. Living in a society that demands I respect my elders

M Redmond, (1998) and especially show the upmost respect to

52074979
individuals that hold higher positions than me, R Benedict, (1943)

has made this transition especially difficult. I have had to learn to

“Bite-My-Tongue” and deal with my issues internally. Had I not

gained the knowledge, I wouldn’t have any issues. However with

hindsight the aspects of having gained knowledge even if I have

no effect over the areas to administer that knowledge, and the

issues that have arisen due to this, are, ultimately, responsible for

my greatest growth. Learning how to turn negative thoughts into

positive outcomes, viewing my peers and the higher echelons of

management in a constructive manner and with compassion,

empathy and most of all respect, rather than hatred and

discontent, which is so easily plausible, is what I take away from

the first half of this semester and will value forever.

1
 Mr. Matthew John Graffham

References

• Maslow, A.H. (1943). A theory of human motivation.

Psychological Review, 50, 370-396.

• M Redmond (1998) Wondering into Thai culture, or, Thai

52074979
whys, and otherwise.

• R Benedict (1943) Thai culture and behavior-

• www.wikipedia.com/Douglas McGregor's Theory X and

theory Y (1960)