Smith’s the man of system concept explains how a person can create a blueprint for the society. The man of the system is taken to be wise enough to control everyone in the society just like it happens on a chess board. The limitation of the concept is that people in society will deviate from the blueprint as they look forward to controlling their destiny. It is clear that everyone in the society is selfish and strives to act in a way that fits his circumstances. Thus, if the man of system tries to impose his directions on the people, the society will suffer from the highest degree of disorder (Adam, 1).
The man of system concept is still needed in the digital age where computer technology is used in all sectors of the economy. It is possible for the man of the system to plan and design the society better if he uses technology than without using it. The availability of adequate database and ability to use simulation can help planners to design the society in a way that many people will find appropriate. Thus, the designer will put in place openings in the society in a way that people will strive to follow (Otteson, 1).
In this digital age, the man of the system does not need to push people to abide by his design. He only needs to motivate them to follow his design. This is achievable if he can prove to the people how following the design could l make them achieve their life goals. It is obvious that technology allows the designer to put in place ways correcting variance resulting from the action of those pieces that go against the laid down plan. Applying the concept of a man of the system in the modern economy is likely to lead to economic growth and increased employment opportunities.
Ability of Legislature to Control the Motion of the Different Pieces on the Chess Board
The functions and ability of the legislature to control the society have evolved over years. Currently, the legislature is not only tasked with the duty to craft laws but also to determine and authorize the manner in which the executive uses public revenue (budget) to grow the economy. The relationship between legislation and authorizing executive spending gives the legislature higher capability to control the motion of different pieces of the chase board (Gruber, 25).
The ability to control government spending enables the legislature to motivate pieces of chess who act as per the design. For example, the legislature can increase government spending on agriculture. This action enables the government to offer incentives and look for a market for agricultural products. These incentives encourage many pieces to follow the plan as per the man of system. Moreover, allocating more money to loans offered to student’s in tertiary institutions extends government influence to the skills and careers taken by different people. Through students loans, the legislator may provide conditions that students must meet to undertake different courses. A student who fails to pursue the chosen career may be denied government funds.
Despite the increased capability of the legislature to control the motion of different pieces on the chess board it still faces two limitations. One, people are more economically empowered so many parents may not rely on the government to finance the education of their children as it could happen in 1759. Second, the legislature is consists of people elected by the pieces of chess. Thus, they serve the interest of the people. Many legislators who support enacting of policies that seek to control the motion of pieces on the chess board are likely to be voted out. Considering the impact of legislation and finances against the economically empowered people and the power of the vote, the former carry more weight. Currently, it is easier for the legislature to control the motion of different pieces on chess board than in 1759.
Top-Down Central Planning Aided By Computer Technology
Computer technology only aids communication between management and employee or the government and the people. Thus, the limitations of top-down planning cannot be eliminated by the use of computer technology. For example, top-down planning eliminates the contribution of employees in designing destiny of their organization. The use of technology cannot eliminate this shortcoming.
Another major shortcoming of top-down planning is that junior staffs are likely to rebel against any plans made without their contribution. The management may come up with nice plans and communicate them in very efficient and effective way using computer technology. However, junior employees oppose them because they feel the plans are imposed on them. Thus, management cannot use computer-aided technology to circumvent the shortcomings of top-down central planning (Otteson, 1). The pieces of chess will resist any external force that goes against their will. The resistance affects the ability of management to control the motion of different pieces of chess on the chess board.
References
Adam, Smith. "The Theory of Moral Sentiments." Smith: Theory of Moral Sentiments, Part VII.
Of Systems of Moral Philosophy. 1759. Web. 27 Feb. 2016. <http://www.econlib.org/library/Smith/smMS7.html#firstpage-bar>.
Gruber, Jonathan. Public Finance and Public Policy. New York, NY: Worth, 2005. Print.
Otteson, James. "Adam Smith and the Follies of Central Planning." YouTube. YouTube, 27 June
2012. Web. 27 Feb. 2016. <https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiZIsP7Ttqw>.
