Michel Foucault’s theory of Surveillance and the Panopticon

Question 1

Question:
Who was Michel Foucault, and what does his theory of the Panopticon and Surveillance say about modern organisations?

Answer 1

Answer:
Michel Foucault (1926–1984) was a French philosopher and social theorist.
In his 1975 book Discipline and Punish, he used the Panopticon (a prison design by Jeremy Bentham) as a metaphor to explain how modern organisations use surveillance to control behaviour.

🔍 What Is the Panopticon?
A circular prison where inmates are always visible from a central tower — but they never know if they’re being watched.

Because of this uncertainty, they behave as if they are always being watched.

📡 Foucault’s Key Idea:
Power today doesn’t come from force — it comes from being watched, monitored, and measured.

People internalise surveillance and begin to self-discipline.

🏢 Modern Workplace Examples:
CCTV in offices or warehouses

Call centres monitoring every second of activity

Employee tracking software (keyboard/mouse activity, screen time)

KPIs and dashboards creating “constant visibility”

Practical Application:
Foucault’s theory explains why people follow rules even when no manager is present.

Useful for understanding workplace culture, control, and resistance.

Benefit | Risk |
| ———————– | —————————— |
| Promotes accountability | Creates pressure and stress |
| Reduces misconduct | Leads to distrust or burnout |
| Encourages productivity | May harm creativity and morale |