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

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

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

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

5. Organizational Geography
Geographic Extent
Geographic Features
Place vs. Space

6. 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.

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

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

9. 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…

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

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

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

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

14. 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

15. 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

16. 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)

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

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

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

20. 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