论电子表格:理性管理的技术化及其后果

On Spreadsheet:Technologization of Rational Management and its Consequences

表格是在现代社会理性化进程中发展出来的一种信息处理技术。现代表格的出现往往伴随着现代社会制度的建立,而制表技术的发展最终也通向了计算机的发明。20世纪80年代以来,在理性管理需求的刺激下,功能强大、使用便捷的电子表格工具被开发出来,表格也从一种曾经局限于特定行业的专业工具变为一款无处不在的大众软件。在我国,电子表格作为一种理性管理的工具,深度参与了20世纪90年代以来社会主义市场经济的建设和以“技术治理”为导向的行政现代化进程。理性管理的技术若想发挥正向作用,就要有相应的环境支撑,否则技术只能以异化的方式发挥效能。

Form is an information processing technology developed in the process of rationalization in the Weberian sense.The invention of modern forms always accompanies the establishment of modern institutions.And the technique of making forms eventually led to the invention of computer.Ever since 1980s,under the stimulation of the needs of rational management,today′s powerful and easy-to-use spreadsheet was developed,and the form was also changed from a professional tool once limited to specific industries to a ubiquitous popular software.In China,spreadsheets as tools of rationalization,were deeply involved in the development of the socialist market economy and the process of administrative modernization.For technology of rational management to play a positive role,there must be a corresponding institution and cultural support.Otherwise technology can only be effective in an alienating way,and even become the″accomplice″of the backward institution and culture.