The emerging concept of the human-centered organization: A review and synthesis of the literature.

Townsend, M., & Romme, A. G. L. (2024). The emerging concept of the human-centered organization: A review and synthesis of the literature. Humanistic Management Journal, 9, 53–74. https://doi.org/10.1007/s41463-024-00168-w

This article provides a comprehensive literature review and synthesis regarding the concept of the human-centered organization (HCO). The authors address the lack of a unified definition of HCO by analyzing existing research across various disciplines, including humanistic management and organizational design. They identify core themes such as human dignity, well-being, and social purpose as the pillars of this organizational model. The synthesis distinguishes HCOs from traditional shareholder-centric models by emphasizing that humans should be treated as ends in themselves rather than mere resources for profit. This source is highly evaluative, offering a critical look at the theoretical foundations and the practical challenges of implementing human-centered principles in modern business. It serves as an excellent theoretical roadmap for researchers looking to define the boundaries of human-centricity. The article is particularly strong in its ability to connect disparate academic conversations into a cohesive framework for future study.