THE PHYSICAL STRUCTURE OF ORGANIZATIONS Chapter 7 Mary Jo Hatch with Ann L. Cunliffe

Physical Structure - Roots Environmental Psychology Hawthorne Studies Physical Structure Architecture Theory Cultural Geography

The Three Perspectives Which physical structures optimize performance & efficiency. The meanings & significances evoked by physical structure The power relations embedded within physical structures (spatiality).

The pattern of relationships between the physical elements of the organization. Culture Social Physical Structure Structure Technology Geography & Location Building design Style & decor

Organizational Geography Geographic Extent Geographic Features Place vs. Space

The geographic extent of an organization relates to how widely its activities are distributed. influences communication, information sharing, supply, delivery, and the management of dependencies.

The geographic features of… … an organization’s location includes climate, terrain, natural resources, population density, industrialization, urbanization, demographics…

Place vs. Space Experiences and interpretations given to regions of space. Photo courtesy of Ann Cunliffe

Layout Proximity Privacy Openness Accessibility Impact on hierarchical position, coordination, work flow, efficiency… Imbued with organizational values, meanings, identity, status… Embedded power relations, surveillance, marginalization of groups…

Landscaping, Design & Décor Architecture Dress and physical bodies Interior and exterior decoration

The Modernist Perspective Coordination Communication Behavior Interaction Information exchange Performance Creativity Feelings of inclusiveness

The Symbolic-Interpretive Perspective Symbols for communicating culture Symbols evoking emotion Defining and creating social and hierarchical relationships

Gieryn’s phases: Design ~ planning, Construction ~ building incorporating various interests. Construction ~ building phase, stability. Occupation ~ reconfiguration and redefinition by occupants. Structure Structure Agency (people)

Behavioral vs Symbolic Aspects Physical spaces and places: - wrap us in their meanings communicate strategy & identity cues that can reinforce or countermand managerial intent enforce territorial boundaries & in-group & out-group identifications… Behavioral Physical structures affect: how we move about in our environment who we interact with what we see, hear, touch & smell

The Postmodern Perspective The ideological meanings of physical space The appropriation of space to maintain control Space privileges some groups over others The submission of organizational members to the control aspects of physical space (hegemony) Disorientation and fragmentation through space

Postmodern Readings… Power relations are embedded in distribution and use of space (e.g., top managers located on the top floor; shop floor workers at machines while supervisors oversee them) Spaces carry ideological content (e.g. public spaces and buildings evoke cultural messages, respect, and awe)

Physical Structure, Culture & Identity Symbolic conditioning ~ automatic responses to symbols Embodied knowledge ~ physical and spatial knowledge, often intuitive Symbolic communication ~ shaping identities.

Status & Individual Identity Cultural, organizational, behavioral, & physiological status indicators … Size Location Décor Accessibility Resources Conveniences

Corporate Image & Organizational Identity Images of the organization formed by stakeholders and audiences Various readings Involve architecture, décor, logos, literature, dress…

Assumptions Norms & values Artifacts & symbols Hierarchy of authority Division of labor Coordination mechanisms Culture Social Physical Structure Structure Technology Geography & Location Building design Style & decor Tools & equipment Techniques Knowledge & skill