BA 152 Organizations and OT or Macro OB

What is Organization Theory? n Another, different way of thinking about organizations

Micro Levels of Analysis Individuals as individuals Groups/Teams of individuals Topics in Organizational Behavior (BA 150)

Macro Levels of Analysis Topics in BA 152 Organizations of groups/teams Groups of organizations/environment

Environment Groups/Teams Individuals Industries/Communities of Organizations Organizations Divisions Levels of Interest in Organizations

Environment Industries/Communities of Organizations Organizations Divisions Levels of Interest in Organizations for BA 152

Problems in the KFBS Parking Deck n Performance Problem – Too many people parking illegally in the KFBS Parking Deck because the gate is not in use. – Those with permits can’t find places to park. – Faculty park illegally to get to their classes on time and end up with a ticket. – Whose fault is this? Who is not doing their job? Why?

n Who is to blame? A micro view – Parking monitors? – KFBS Administrative staff? – MBA staff? – OneCard staff? – Faculty? n Perhaps, but consider... Problems in the KFBS Parking Deck

Macro issues and the KFBS Parking Deck n A macro view might blame – University structure? – University systems? – University technology? n How do you solve this problem? – Fire the people? – Change the structure/system?

Macro issues and other organizational problems n USA Men’s Olympic Basketball Team – Why has the team played so poorly? – Who should we blame? – How was the team selected? – What might be a macro explanation for the problems they have been having?

Macro issues and other organizational problems n Enron and Arthur Andersen? – Was this Ken Lay’s fault? – Was it a function of systems and structures in place (or that should have been in place) at the two organizations? – Was it a function of the cultures in place in the two organizations?

What is Organization Theory? n Another, different way of thinking about organizations n Where does it come from? – Scientific management (Frederick Taylor) – Administrative principles (Henry Fayol) – Bureaucracy (Max Weber)

Organization Theory Where Is It Now? n Rational-Contingency Perspective – Focuses on Efficiency & Status Quo – Contingency Model n There is no one right way to build an organization. n But, some ways ARE better than others. – Congruency Model n The importance of “fit” among important organizational characteristics n But the perspective may be changing...

Natural Model Einstein Quantum physics Chaos, complexity theory Organisms Ecologies Adaptation Continuous Improvement Blues and jazz Postmodern art Autonomy for employees Articulation of vision Mechanical Model Newton Galileo Descartes Machines Clocks Optimum design Consistency in operation Classical music Renaissance painting Command and control Characteristics Scientific leaders Central Metaphors Strategic Objectives Cultural Expressions Leadership Implications (From the Wall Street Journal) Changing Paradigms

Characteristics Sources of Values Management Objective Structure Organizing Principles Sources of Economic Authority Principal Economic Constraint Mechanical Model Land, energy, material Economies of scale Hierarchies Division of Labor Producers Capital Natural Model Information, knowledge Unity of purpose Self-organizing teams Synthesis of minds Consumers Creativity (From the Wall Street Journal) Changing Paradigms

Next Time: Strategies and Organizational Design