Case StudyConsidering one of the theories/approaches, what are issues

with this scenario? How should it have been handled and why?

Organizational Theory – Part 2

Systems Theory

Chapter 4 Recap/Lecture

Organization = System

Organization as system of interdependent parts

Open system: environment provides input and receives output

Interdependence

Consider relationship among different parts

Division of labor – impact?

“organizational effectiveness depends on the coordination of the total enterprise” (p. 97)

Other Important Factors

Environment

Examples: competition, industry changes, potential consumers

Boundary spanners

Changing environment Need for adaptability and contingency plans

Interrelationships

parts and processes

Communication – importance?

Other Important Factors

Feedback

Goals

“…negotiated among interdependent factions in the organization and are heavily influenced by its environment” (p. 105)

‘may differ across system levels’ (p. 106)

No ‘one size fits all’ approach

Openness, order, contingency

Equifinality (more than one way to reach same goal)

‘Two tenets of contingency theory: No one best way and all ways not equally effective’ (p. 108)

Examples of Theories

Peter Senge’s Learning Organization

Systems thinking, personal mastery, flexible mental models, a shared vision, team learning

“participate and holistic notion of effective organizing” (p. 109)

Reflective openness

Examples of Theories

Karl Weick’s Sense-Making Model

Equivocality reduction Same facts – multiple interpretations. Make sense of it all

Model of organizing Enactment

Look for threats and opportunities

Importance of environmental scanning

Selection Communication collective sense making

Retention

Retroactive sense making

Loose coupling

Partial inclusion

Organization = community or social setting

Emphasis on Relationships

Classical Management: manager/worker relationships

Human Relations and Human Resources: quality of relationships? (latter: more than just venting session)

Systems theory: importance of interrelationships

Cultural studies: ?????? (discuss next week)

Should be fostered inside or outside of the organization? Or both? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilTPRUwGH5A

Group Activity

Environmental Scanning

Look for issues that may impact Wal-Mart (be able to explain how/why)

Look at other issues; what organizations might be affected? How so?

Be prepared to informally share findings