Free Essay

Organisational Theory

In: Business and Management

Submitted By sheenaphua
Words 3094
Pages 13
Introduction

Organization theory is the study of organizations to identify problem solving technics, increase productivity and achieving the goals of stakeholders. There are four perspectives of organization theory namely modern, symbolic-interpretive, critical and postmodern perspectives. In this essay, we will look into organizations from a modern and critical perspective and through it; develop an in-depth understanding of a detailed analysis on how power, control and resistance play a part in an organization. In comparison to the two chosen perspectives, we will spot its similarities and differences by doing a compare and contrast analysis. The fundamentals of this will help us apply the perspectives and theory to Apple and its organizational environment.
Theoretical Framework
In order for us to do a comparison of the perspectives, we need to study the differences between epistemology and ontology to help us understand the modernism ways better. Ontology is concerned with what we perceived reality to be. Our assumption will decide on the subjects to be treated as real while disregarding others. These assumptions on whether or not a particular phenomenon exists or if it is just an illusion stirs debates between those who have conflicting perspectives. On the other hand, epistemology is concerned with knowledge that we are able to attain. The answers an epistemologist would want to derive from are are: how we as humans obtain the knowledge, how we differentiate between knowledge that is good and bad and how reality should be explained. Epistemology is directly linked to ontology as the answers derived from these questions are dependent on the ontology perceptions of what they deem reality to be. To a modernist, ontology is described as objectivism- The belief that existence of reality depends on those who are living in it. People respond to their surroundings in predictable ways as their behavior is judged by purposes in the reality they live in. Whereas the modernists believe epistemology is described as positivism- The assumption that truths can be discovered through the measures of science to deduce how people and systems respond in situations. They also perceived that through language, it can illustrate reality. To them, they consider good knowledge as being obtained by factual hypothesis, accumulating and studying data, and test the hypothesis against the real world to conclude if their judgment was right. By doing so, modernists can establish theoretical explanations on different perspectives and make conjectures on futuristic views (Hatch & Cunliffe 2006).

The Modernist Perspective

From a modernist perspective, the focus in organizational theory is to explore universal laws, methods of organizing and controlling; apply rational structures, rules and standard procedures so as to achieve success of an organization (Hatch & Cunliffe 2006). Based on this theory it guides us on how power, control and resistance are perceived.
Modernist view power as an ability to authorize a person to do something they would not otherwise do (Dahl 1957). In any case, there are many other forms of obtaining significant power; some of which includes personal charisma, expertise in related field, coercion and control of raw materials. Individuals develop power by using the strategic contingency theory and that is to tackle uncertainties in the organization (Crozier 2010). As such, this theory means as best as a unit is in entangling negative uncertainties for the organization, the more power it holds. On the other hand, the resource dependency theory is an elaboration of the strategic contingency theory in overcoming uncertainties by manipulation of resources, hence having a reward system of being given larger budgets, more resources and higher positions. The politics behind this gives rise to acquired power (Pfeffer & Salancik 1978). Judging from the two theories, it demonstrates the aim of power development as a control tool to promote efficiency in an organization.

Modernist believes in three control theories that will be discussed shortly. They are namely the cybernetic model, agency and clan theories. All three theories share the same purpose to control and maximize the output levels in an organization. However, they differ in the region and mode of control. In the context of the cybernetic model, it targets to identify the differences between individuals and make adjustments for them in accordance to the requirements needed to achieve organizational goals (Hatch & Cunliffe 2006). This model is a reflection of the modernist view to operate an organization, as their ideas are dependent on mathematical and scientific measures that do not include emotions and human relations. Subsequently, the next theory is the agency theory that helps counter concerns that managers do not act in the best interest of the organization. To solve this issue, job contracts are tailored with specific organizational goals and practices through the benefit of incentives to manipulate managers so that they behave in such that it favors the organization (Eisenhardt 1985). Last but not least, another control theory modernists suggests is to enact clans thought cultural values, norms and expectations that drives individuals to perform up to desired levels of cooperation needed in an organization.

Therefore, we can deduce that in an internal organization structure, power is the root to establishing controls and resistance is formed as a result of control that the organization has over its people. Thus, from a modernist ideology, resistance inherits tension that hinders productivity (Hatch & Cunliffe 2006).

The Critical Theorists Perspective

To know how organizations work from a critical perspective, we must first understand that the reason critical thinking existed is due to skepticism of the modernist motives and questions the modernistic way of bureaucratic manipulation. A critical approach will be concerned with challenging conjectures with its ways of perspectives, understanding and executing (Alvesson and Deetz 2000). Subsequently, there is a vast difference in comparison of modernist and critical theories on power and control. Modernist theorists are more interested in developing the use of power to amplify benefits in an organization while critical theorists are more concerned in going against the modernist perspectives and seek to establish a humanistic and ethical way for power and control to be distributed in organizations (Hatch & Cunliffe 2006).

Critical theorists believe that dominated groups submit to power by consenting to exploitation are because of numerous reasons. Marx (1970) believes that exploitation was resulted from opposing forces of capital and labor. Gramsi (1971) suggested that hegemony was a way owners maintain power and wealth. He believes that groups allow domination because institutional ways of domination has formed part of their daily routine lives. Manipulation of social and cultural practices shape the workers desires and actions such that they are actually beneficial to the organization and also through manipulation of social pressure, oppressing the freedom of groups to voice out their opinions is a way of rising to power (Lukes 2005).

This theory shows how modernist dictates control over labor. Based on the labor process theory, the production process is simplified to an extent that very little training is needed and thus so creating a significant decrease of expertise but it also means that workers who put up with resistance are easily replaced by managers (Braverman 1974). At the same time, deskilling workers can help managers cut labor cost and continue exploiting and degrading them that results in optimizing their profits that leads to greater efficiency.

Hence, in order to achieve workplace democracy, critical theorists support the following model in which groups will be freed from domination and concentration of power will be redistributed back from the owners to the workers. Deetz (1992) prescribed balanced responsiveness and open communication as a way of tackling domination over the workers. Another way critical theorists suggest is letting workers gain ownership and control over their own efforts rather than letting owners reap all the benefits in an organization. Ultimately, this leads to meeting the objective of a critical perspective of workplace democracy.

Overview of Apple

Apple is a global success and a worldwide phenomenon. It created a world unimaginable without Apple. In 1976, Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne founded Apple and have since enriched the lives of many by its iconic products like the iPhone, iPad, iPod and Macbook. Today, many school institutions, companies and households around the world have incorporated the use Apple products supported with its IOS system as part of their everyday lives. Apple is now a dominant market leader in tech-gadgets and has opened more than 300 stores worldwide and reported exceptionable figures of revenues and net profit in the previous year. More importantly, Apple has generated a distinctive reputation of a strong customer base that is vital in understanding Apple. With its growing success, people have come together to analyze the different perspectives of Apple as an organization.

The modernist argument

Apple is undoubtedly an extremely profit-making organization (Channel Insider 2012). We will look into the modernist view on organizations and their environment and discuss how Apple’s behavior resulted in the modernist claim that Apple is a role model to other companies so that they can learn from its success.

There are many factors that modernists contribute to Apple’s success. For instance, one of the main reasons why Apple could captivate and preserve many of the world’s best experts in their field is due to the company’s winning culture that surmounts the company’s boundaries to design an enterprise value exceeding most population outstanding employee benefits. Also, Apple possess a mystique about it that is so intriguing hence, many are drawn to be part of it (Lashinsky 2012). Once people step foot at Apple, they are very passionate about their job hence creating a dependency environment for employee commitment and drive. In the resource dependency theory, an organization is susceptible to its environment depending on the availability of inputs and outputs (Pfeffer and Salancik 1978).

The priority on hiring the brightest people and designing an organizational culture that employees are proud to belong is one way Apple develops counter-dependencies upon its environment. Another way Apple creates counter-dependencies can be reflected in their marketing and media influences by endorsing celebrity Justin Long, with the famous line “Hi, I’m a Mac”, portraying all that was good about the Apple computer. endorsements. Also, Apple endorsed American film actor, Martin Scorsese, to promote the Siri function in the iPhone 4s (Ian Kar 2012). Furthermore, Apple’s marketing strategy capitalizes on the element of secrecy, keeping its innovation under wraps by hiding its products and practices from competitors and the rest of the outside world (Lashinshy 2012). This smart move created heated debates and anticipation among eager consumers especially before the launch of a new product.

Besides having the brightest people in their chosen field, Apple also places specific emphasis on employing only world class “A” players engineers and recognizing their talent by giving them special incentives like offering them unlimited vacation in order to have an edge over fighting for talents with its competitors (MacMillan 2012).

The relationship between Apple and its environment is reflected upon the end users and suppliers through its highly sought-after products. The statistics in sales prove that Apple is very successful.

Hannan & Freeman (1977) states that population ecology is the conjecture that organizations are dependent on their environment for the resources they need to operate. While resource dependency theory is based on the view point of the organization, population ecology is based on the level of the environment and is interested in the success and failures of its competitors within a resource field. Apple has a handful of outstanding designers that its competitors like Samsung and google are fighting for. Apple’s unique and innovative designs exert pressure onto its competitors to not imitate but out-design its essence of originality. To put on a fight with Apple, its competitors has to extensively be in search of highly ingenious designers that will invent new, creative and better looking designs (Carani 2012).

No doubt the environment has power over Apple, it can also be the case that it is vice versa. The impact Apple has over the world has influenced many end consumers to be Apple fanatics. There was a recent news article in CNET (Lowensohn 2012) over the release of the iPhone 4s where fans bought astounding figures of the product by the millions. iPads were also snagged quickly in record breaking numbers. The spectacular product features that Apple has to offer has lured and captured the hearts of many around the world. The dependence people have over Apple is evident to show how Apple too, has a large volume of power and support over the environment
According to Burns and Stalker (1961), they stated that in the environmental contingency theory that the construction of an organization internal structure and how compatible it is with environment contributes to its success. Hence, Apple relates best to its environment through adhocracy. Mintzberg (1979) theorized adhocracy whereby its organization structure functions as a dynamic environment as such; experts work in specialized agreements to produce ingenious products and support is not granted for an environment working under hierarchy and dominated control. Unlike conventional organization structures, Apple follows a flat functional structure where everyone is hired only for their specific specialties on the field.

Therefore, the resource dependency theory, population ecology theory and environmental contingency theory on how they relate to the environment is evident that supports the modernists claim of Apple being a role model company.

The critical argument

Here we will discuss the critical theory’s view on Apple and its environment. The critical theorist argues that the manner in which Apple use resource dependency theory to exert power over its environment is inhumane. While the modernist claims that Apple does not operate in a conventional structure, it masks behind the compulsion of dominating industry practices. What is found to be perplexing is how these practices violated Apple’s code of conducts which were uncompelled and self-imposed (Prakash 2012). Apple’s code of conduct states that working conditions in Apple’s supply chain are safe, that workers are treated with dignity and respect, and that manufacturing processes are environmentally responsible. Having this is essential to protect the interest of factory workers from being treaty unjust and providing a safe work environment. No doubt, Apple has become one of the most influential and successful organizations in the world in areas such as global manufacturing. However, the production line operates in harsh labor conditions. Employees are made to do overtime and their health was disregarded. In fact, it was reported that China workers got injured after being ordered to clean iPhone screens with a poisonous chemical and hazardous waste is irresponsibly disposed (Duhigg & Barboza 2012). In sum, Apple is simply another capitalist organization and it is no difference from its competitors since it is using dominating and exploiting methods of market power for the sole benefit of the company and its investors (Prakash 2012). This supports the critical theorist’s argument that Apple is yet another organization that sought to achieve profits maximizing while neglecting the human rights and freedom as it claims to be.

Conclusion

This essay provides an insight of modernist and critical perspectives of power, control and resistance. Also we have come to understand that despite using the same topic discussion, their views are found to be very conflicting. The modernist aims to develop power for the good and success of the organization; and conflict is perceived as a negative element that ought to be overthrown. Whereas from the critical perspective, they exhibit distrust in the modernists modes of theorizing therefore seek to challenge and demolish the control capitalists have over the workers, so as to achieve democracy and well-distributed power in an organization. Therefore, the two perspectives and theories discussed help us interpret and better understand Apple as an organization and its environment. In this essay we have developed a claim with hard evidence to support that Apple is a role model company and its success should be used as an example to other companies
Word Count: 2623 words

References

Alvesson, M & Deetz, S 2000, Doing critical management research, Sage, London

Braverman, H 1974, Labour and monopoly capital: The degradation of worl in the twentieth century, Monthly Review Press, New York.

Burns, T & Stalker, GM 1961, The management of innovation, Tavistock, London, UK.

Carani, CV 2012, Apple verdict: Set to stifle or spur innovation, CNN, [Online], Available at: http://edition.cnn.com/2012/08/29/business/opinion-carani-apple-samsung/index.html [Assessed 1 September 2012]

Crozier, M 2010, The bureaucratic phenomenon, Transaction Publishers, New Brunswick, New Jersey.

Dahl, RA 1957, ‘The concept of power’, Behavioral Science, vol 2, no. 3, p. 201

Deetz, S 1992, Democracy in an age of corporate colonization: Developments in communication and the politics of everyday life, State University of New York Press, Albany.

Duhigg,C & Barboza, D 2012, Working themselves to death, The Age, [Online], Available at: http://www.theage.com.au/business/working-themselves-to-death-20120131-1qr8n.html
[Assessed 1 February 2012]

Eisenhardt, KE 1985, ‘Control: Organizational and economic approaches’, Management Science, vol.31, pp. 134-49

Gramsi, A 1971, Selections from the prison notebooks, International Publishers, New York.

Hatch, MH & Cunliffe, AL 2006, Organization theory: Modern, symbolic and postmodern perspectives, 2nd edition, Oxford University Press, Oxford, UK
Ian Kar, 2012, Legendary Director Martin Scorsese To Star In New Siri Commercial, International Digital Times, [Online] Available at: http://www.idigitaltimes.com/articles/10391/20120724/legendary-director-martin-scorsese-star-new-siri-apple-4s-iphone-5.htm [Accessed 12 September 2012]
Pfeffer, J & Salancik, GR 1978, The external control of organizations: A resource dependence perspective, Harper & Row, New York.

Hannan, MT & Freeman, JH 1977, The population ecology of organizations, American Journal of Sociology, 82: 929-64

Lashinsky, A 2012, Inside Apple: America’s Most Admired- and Secretive- Company Really Works, International edition, Hachette Book Group Inc, New York.

Lukes, S 2005, Power: A radical view, 2nd edition, MacMillan, London

MacMillan,D 2012, To Recruit Techies Companies Offer Unlimited Vacation, BLOOMBERG, [Online], Available at: http://www.businessweek.com/articles/2012-07-19/to-recruit-techies-companies-offer-unlimited-vacation [Assessed 19 July 2012]

Marx, K 1970, The German ideology, Lawrence & Wishart, London

Mintzberg, H 1979, The structuring of organizations, Prentice Hall Inc, New York, pp. 436-440.

Prakash, SS 2012, Two Faces of Apple, Carnegie Council, [Online], Available at: http://www.carnegiecouncil.org/publications/ethics_online/0068.html [Accessed 11 September 2012]

Reisinger, D 2012, 10 Key Ingredients That Have Made Apple So Successful, Channel Insider, [Online], Available at: http://www.channelinsider.com/c/a/Spotlight/10-Key-Ingredients-That-Have-Made-Apple-So-Successful-748253/ [Assessed 2 February 2012]

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Organisational Theories

...how organizational theory underpins the practice of management Organizations are ‘social arrangements for the controlled performance of collective goals’. Organizational theory and management theory is used in many aspects of a working business. Many people strive to adhere to the theory to help them become better at their jobs or more successful in life, although this may lead to them having to sacrifice some of their personal principles in order to succeed. One example of following organizational theory in the financial sector would be an employee or manager who wants to know how to achieve goals by having a set structure to follow. In addition, someone in a human resources sector will have to make decisions through their working day that will undoubtedly change the structure and practice of a working day of all other employees in the company. If an individual gets so wrapped up in trying to fit the mold of what the interpret their role should be in terms of organizational theory, they may start to neglect others areas of business. In the some way, management theory may also underpin the personal values of some individuals. For instance, they may disagree with a particular rule or regulation that has been introduced by the company, however in order to carry out their job as a manager effectively and professionally, they need to move away from their principles and execute the job. It is difficult to try to execute both management and organizational theories as a psychological...

Words: 511 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Feminism: Implications of Language in Organisational Theory.

...Theories of work organisation have gone through considerable changes in the last couple of decades. Describe what you believe to be the main changes and evaluate their importance in the changing world of business. (You may choose a particular industry or occupation to illustrate your argument). Introduction to the feminist movement: In an constantly evolving society, theories of work organisations have undergone drastic changes over the past few decades (Tosi 2009). Organisational theory developed from the work of Taylor and Weber (Reed & Ross-Smith 1994) along with the management theory of Mintzberg (Bartram 2005). The application of these concepts needed to change to reflect the desires and expectations of the current working demographic. The ‘highly visible’ (Stanley & Wise 2000) feminist or women’s movements, particularly in developed countries throughout the past century, have allowed women to enjoy substantially increased levels of equality and the ability to enter male-dominated occupations which their predecessors could not. Modern philosophers such as Foucault and de Saussure (Kelemen & Rumens 2008) have been considering one facet of ‘poststructuralism’ (Tosi 2009, p. 263), leading to a new stream of though on the implications of language interpretation. Modern poststructuralist feminists such as McNay and Weedon (as cited in Kelemen & Rumens 2008) have been debating ways in which to instigate and enhance a shift from a male-centric organisation compositions towards...

Words: 2245 - Pages: 9

Free Essay

Organisational Theory Multiple Perspective Approach

...Organisational Theory Assignment Baruch Spinoza once said, “The highest activity a human can attain is learning for understanding, because to understand is to be free”. Spinoza quoting that understanding leads to freedom – emancipation – can be interpreted as a statement from the perspective of a critical theorist (Green 2004) and if left unchallenged this statement would prove absolute. However, using a modernist perspective it can be argued that understanding would lead to quantification (Hatch, 2006) that could in turn, lead to greater efficiency. Solely from referencing the two theories above and the 2 ways of looking at a single statement we can ascertain that a combination of perspectives gives us a greater understanding than a single perspective. This essay explores how using a multi perspective approach would provide the individual with a more comprehensive and well ronded understanding to organisations, an increased capacity to understand how to better embrace structure and its implications and the holistic simplification and explaination of cultural effects. It also brings to light the conflicting nature of these theories and its inherant biasness. The first advantage of using a multi-perspective approach to understanding an organisation would be that it provides us with a more comprehensive and well-rounded understanding to organisations. This greater understanding begins with the internalisation of the different perspective’s ontology and epistemology...

Words: 2164 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Organisational Theory - Organisational Culture

...depends on how they utilise their influences. Nonetheless, subculture may impede the body and restrict communication of the organization, an issue named silos. It implies the employees in the strong organization subcultures being uncooperative and will lead to unproductivity. In order for managers to change their organization culture, first of all, they need to understand what kind of culture their companies are currently adopting and in which direction they would want to lead them to. Essentially, with a strong culture, an organization could generate higher productivity produced by their employees (Wilson M, 2014). Therefore, the discussion will cover Modernism and Symbolic Interpretive out of the four perspectives in organizational theory and analyse how these two perspectives are able to incorporate into organizational culture. According to Hatch and...

Words: 2020 - Pages: 9

Premium Essay

Organisational Theory and Design

...Mohamed Hassimiu Barrie 520 Quantitative Analysis September 16, 2012 Module 2 Answer to selecting two problems from my own experience, describing problems, the improving principle and the principle that I do not want to worsen. The scenario also wants me to make use of the Triz contradiction matrix to identify suggested principles to resolve the contradictions. As stated by economists, the desires of man are unlimited while the resources or means to satisfy these desires are limited in supply. This has been so since creation and it has never changed. Even though the world has advance nowadays through information technology and other new inventions, the desires of man keep advancing and complicating far above these inventions. The big companies are doing everything to satisfy the need of human beings but because of the complex nature of these needs they cannot be satisfied. The need to solve these ever ending problems of human beings have drive people to form organizations where people can come together with a common purpose to look at a specific problem and try to find solutions to them. For instance if we think about the common problems we face in our offices and our everyday life and how we strive to solve these problems, we will realize that life itself is about constantly finding solutions to ever ending problems. The important economic concepts of scarcity come into play here. By scarcity economics mean that the wants and desires of human beings are unlimited...

Words: 4885 - Pages: 20

Premium Essay

Link Between Organisational Theory and Practice of Management

...Explain how the organisational theory underpins the practice of management. Organisational theory is very important because when applied in practice it can influence the overall performance of organisations. It is a sociological study of formal organisations and their interrelationship with the environment in which they are operating. The study of organisational structure and culture; the different organisational theories and approaches to management; the different leadership styles and motivational theories – all of them have been developed over the past few centuries and they are still changing and upgrading so that managers can clearly understand their role in the organisation and to be able to respond adequately to various changes in order to gain business effectiveness and success. Management theory can be defined as a collection of ideas and general rules designed to help managers in their work. The theory of management helps managers to know and understand the goals of the organisation; it helps them in planning work in order to achieve these goals in the most effective and efficient way; it helps them to understand what motivates people and it shows them ways how to do it. There are various different management theories or approaches to management. The oldest once are called Classical theories. Representatives of the classical school are: M. Weber, F. Taylor, H. Gantt, Frank and Lillian Gilbert, M Follett, H Fayol, etc. The classical theories of management are dated...

Words: 880 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Organisational Theory Underpins Management Practice

...Messages you've exchanged with rlaporter 2015-07-04 04:35:54 04:35:54, cesjh wrote: Hi brother Porter 'Long time don't see' what's up brother. It's been awhile since I sent you a one liner 2015-07-04 04:37:28 04:37:28, cesjh wrote: Let's be friends once again. You are my number one my chosen one 2015-07-06 14:15:33 14:15:33, cesjh wrote: Hi there When are we going to have proper chat? 2015-07-06 22:17:24 22:17:24, cesjh wrote: Are you on WhatsApp? 2015-07-22 19:56:12 19:56:12, cesjh wrote: Hi there brother Porter I am ready to run! Come to be my friend , team mate and business partner soon!! Make contact now to get our friendship really going again!!! I want to be with a loving human only. It's frightening to think that monsters are also trying to get their horrible bigey hands on myself. Uggggghh yuck! Absolutely no way!!!(Lol) Bogey hands I meant lol 2015-07-22 19:57:58 19:57:58, cesjh wrote: Can't wait to be with you my friend. We can be really great team mates for Jesus Let's get started pleasssssssee!!!!!! 2015-08-03 00:09:38 00:09:38, cesjh wrote: Hey Porter Have a nice day. 2015-08-03 00:27:40 00:27:40, cesjh wrote: Hi there Our convention is this weekend, 7th, 7th and 9th of August.Why not fly over. You are invited to be a listener only. Please call the British branch on [#] to get the address for the venue. It's the one in west Scotland UK. The Bogey men are not anymore 2015-08-03 17:29:17...

Words: 1380 - Pages: 6

Premium Essay

Link Between Organisational Theory and Managerial Practice

...The Contributions of Management Theory and Practice to Emergency Management John C. Pine is the Director of the Disaster Science and Management, Professor-Research with the Department of Environmental Studies and Interim Chair of the Department of Geography and Anthropology at Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, LA. (225) 578-1075 Email: jpine@lsu.edu httt://www.risk.lsu.edu Abstract This chapter takes a look at the impact that management theory and how the basic functions and practice of management as well as the role of the manager and approaches to management have contributed to the practice of emergency management. Current views of management theory stress the changing nature of the external environment and the need to understand and address these external forces for change. The contribution and role of systems theory and contingency theory to the emergency management process is stressed. Although some might view that we do not manage disasters, there is an overlap between the contribution of management theory and emergency management. Management theory stresses the need for effective planning to ensure that organizational goals are obtained. Emergency and crisis management emphasize that effective emergency response and recovery is based on good planning. Building sustainable organizations and communities is a common goal of both management and emergency management. Management and disaster-related issues and concerns along with strategies to improve...

Words: 6176 - Pages: 25

Premium Essay

Organisational Theory- Case Study- General Motors

...Established in 1908, General Motors (GM), with its headquarters based in Detroit, Michigan was one of the world's largest automakers in the world. Their business operate in 140 countries with an employment of 204000 people, and together with their strategic allies, they produce cars and trucks in 34 countries (General Motors, 2010). However, in June 2009, GM filed for bankruptcy protection and reach out to U.S government for financial assistance (Taylor III, 2009). In this essay, a look will be taken at the nature of GM’s organizational structure such as its organizational design and how GM’s operation is conceptualized, as well as its existence as an organization. How GM and the environment affect each other will be discussed too. GM was born out as a conglomerate of firms (Bordenave & Lung 2003). From a multinational organization with a headquarter set in Detroit and unified products, design and manufacturing resources throughout its field of business, GM was quick in moving itself out to become a global organization whereby they valued diversity and flexibility to match with the changing pattern of opportunities and threats posed in the industry sector. They actually diverged from Ford’s monolithic structure, gained own corporate stability and shortly after, challenge Ford’s hegemony internally and globally (Bordenave & Lung 2003). A division of labour is set up, whereby production has been divided into different skills and tasks spread across countries (Hatch & Cunliffe...

Words: 2290 - Pages: 10

Premium Essay

The Advantages of Differing Views on Organisational Culture Theory: the Benefits of a Multiparadigm Approach.

... The advantages of differing views on organisational culture theory: the benefits of a multiparadigm approach The purpose of this essay is to outline the advantages and disadvantages of robust debate surrounding the field of organisational culture. To achieve this, this essay presents the benefits of robust debate which has led to multiple paradigms surrounding the field of organisational culture within organisational theory. It will then be demonstrated how the effect of multiple paradigms produces various, ever improving research approaches, and different research methods which contribute insights that refute, support or extend current knowledge (Lewis & Kelemen 2002). When examined, these techniques provide a context for change within management practice using a multiparadigm approach. It has been observed by many researchers that a single paradigm is inevitably limiting when attempting to uncover certain facets within organisations and can obscure others (Schultz and Hatch 1996). The apparent discourse within organisational culture theory has exemplified organisational theory to the extent that Mingers and Brocklesby (1997) praised organisational studies for exemplifying and encouraging multiparadigm interests within other fields of research (e.g. physics, biology). The benefits of a multiparadigm approach is argued to offer a midpoint between the extremes of academic theory; this has been achieved in organisational culture by constructing consistent representations...

Words: 1945 - Pages: 8

Premium Essay

Unit 4

...Unit 16: Human Resource Management in Business (10 Credits) Assessment Sheet Name: ……………………………………………………………………………… | | | | | |Assessment Criteria |Achieved | | | | | |Pass 1 |Describe the internal and external factors to consider when planning the human resource | | | |requirements of an organisation | | | | | | |Pass 2 |Describe how the skills that employees require to carry out jobs in an organisation are | | | |identified | | | | | | |Pass 3 |Outline how an organisation motivates it’s employees | | | | ...

Words: 1556 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Scientific Management

...3102380 Course Code- IRHR 1001 Tutorial Group B6 Theory of Scientific Management An organisation’s success or failure is determined by the performance of its employees and how they are managed. There are a number of approaches by which the organisation can be managed, for e.g. the classical approach, the general administrative approach, the behavioural approach, the human relations approach etc. These approaches or theories form a solid foundation for action (Boddy 2002). According to Charles Handy(1993 cited in Mullins 2005), theories assist in the explanation of the past , which is helpful in comprehending the present and thus foreseeing the future, which leads to more influence on the future events and less disorder from the unexpected (Mullins 2005 ). One of the major theories which have played a vital role in increasing productivity and boosting an organisation’s performance is The Theory of Scientific Management. The major contributor for this theory is Frederick Taylor but this approach was later on promoted by a few eminent personalities like Henry Ford and Frank& Lillian Gilbreth and Henry Gantt. Though Taylor’s theory increased productivity, it was criticized later on and due to some of its features. But even today, application of some of his principles can be found in a few industries. Frederick Winslow Taylor who is famous for his theory of scientific management published his work, The Principle of Scientific Management in...

Words: 1645 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Repo Computers

...organizational theories are many and they are a mixture of various approaches to analyse an organization and the way it perform. One of these approaches is the classical organizational theory that is divided into two sub topics: the scientific management theory and the bureaucracy theory. The management at Trust Technology is adopting the classical scientific management theory in its operations. The management in the company considers that the scientific theory that is based on managing the workers in order to improve the production is the best solution for their scenario. Trust Technology is an 8 years old business that is classically focusing on the relation between the worker and the employer without any complex organizational management. After its third year, Trust Technology started to have more customers and hence the business started to expand. The number of workers increased and then more supervision and management strategies should be implemented at this case. It is important for companies to know what organizational theory approach to use in order to improve the companies productivity, and also what is more important is to know what kind of approach to take and when should the company take a step forward. After knowing the problem, the management in Trust Technology decided to move on to the bureaucracy theory of organization and divide the company into hierarchical tree of management and workers. Organizational Theory Definition Organizational theory is slightly a...

Words: 1558 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Fdi Foreign Direct Investment

...Manchester Metropolitan Business School 2012/13 Academic Year Unit: International Business Theory and Practice (5Q5Z0047) Unit Leader Dr Sougand Golesorkhi ASSIGNMENT BRIEF Submission Date: Wednesday 23th January 2013 Weighting: 40% of the total mark for the Unit Form: The assignment should be prepared in the style of a formal Academic Paper Structure of the Academic Paper Abstract This is to summarise and highlight the main findings that include an evaluation of main points and suggestions of better alternatives, recommendations, policy and/or managerial implications. Theoretical background This section should contain an introduction, and a focused literature review relating to relevant themes and topics. It should also establish the theoretical framework in which the paper is situated. Empirical evidence and data analysis This section should start to develop the arguments that you wish to make. It will present and draw upon relevant case study materials and other appropriate forms of evidence and commentary. Data should support your arguments and highlight examples of theory in real-world practice. You should aim to explain the relevance (to the subject area and your line of argument) of any examples deployed. Interpretation and discussion This section provides an opportunity for you to expand upon your argument by analyzing and interpreting relevant data, evidence and commentary. Here you should compare various competing strands of argumentation...

Words: 1117 - Pages: 5

Premium Essay

Research - Practice

...there a failure in bringing research knowledge successfully into organisations? (Abbott, Walton, Tapia, & Greenwood, 1999) Along with the science-practice gaps identified by Rynes et al. (2002), a number of major changes occurring in the workplace over the last 10 years (e.g., increases in demographic diversity, changes in the nature of work, increases in outsourcing and downsizing, and skill shortages) suggest the need for HR practitioners to learn about new research findings that can assist in improving the management of HR. (Burke, Drasgow, & Edwards, 2004) There are numerous terms that can be used synonymously when talking about work psychology: industrial, applied, organisational, occupational and work psychology are all used interchangeably as well as related terms as industrial and organisational psychology and ergonomics. Due to historical reasons as well as ethnocentrism so many terms exists. In this essay the term applied psychology will be used. It is contrasted with pure psychology and it encompasses all psychology looking at the...

Words: 1235 - Pages: 5