Discussion Questions on Organization's Design - Paper Example

Explain how contingency theory addresses the way that an organization's design relates to its structure.

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An organization's design is addressed by the contingency theory in three significant manners that establish how appropriate an organization structure will be capable of accomplishing objectives through conditions or factors of uncertainty. Firstly, is the type of environment that surrounds the organization. Implying to the work location that may be dissimilar to the organization with regards to the kind of business as well as its geographical location. Secondly, the technological advancement that could lead to the predisposing of the organization into unexpected errors or advances with the technology system. Last but not least, is the individuals' characteristics that operate in the organization. The entire factors need to be taken into account while developing the design appropriate for the organization contingencies.

Define organic and mechanistic structure, and discuss the pros and cons of each. [Objective 5.1]

The organic structure refers to the one that is intended for empowering employees to be capable of initiating a change if required, additionally, for the employees to become capable of adapting to the dynamic conditions. The benefits of organic structure are its power of empowering the employees in making decisions. Additionally, the structure enhances learning with regards to the employees unceasingly having to come up with decisions centered on their skills and knowledge. While its disadvantage is that, the organization's decision-making process is not much foreseeable, therefore, leading to the differences among the workers making decisions since the procedure allows people to utilize their perception in responding to the circumstances

Mechanical structure refers to the structure specialized in planning employees for them to behave and act in the focused and responsible manner, having the decision that originating from the upper management. Such structure is beneficial since it benefits of restoring the whole organization operating in an anticipated behavior as led by the top management. Though, as for its disadvantage, planned behavior could restrict the employees in the organization from countering to the situation efficiently.

Using examples from companies discussed in your text, explain how a particular organizational culture can lead to success.

The organization may become successful due to the values that they implement and practice. The employees that practice ethical values to define their behavior within the organization would efficiently work in teams or groups within an organization due to the cooperation that will demonstrate while working because they have trust their other colleague in the group. The attainment of the hard work leading them to earn rewards could be considered as a terminal value which is the norm of the organization, therefore, the behavior might encourage a lot of motivated persons who will execute their duties beyond expectations leading to progress gain within the organization. Furthermore, instrumental values like giving assistance to the coworker would lead to the elevated performance in the organization.

Describe three reasons why unethical behavior occurs. Then identify three ways to create an ethical culture.

The key purposes leading to unethical behavior is because employees learn from the colleague that possess such behaviors. Given an instance whereby, an employee that witness the other coworker practicing an unethical behavior progressively leading to a kind of positive reinforcement without getting punished could also start to perform that behavior. The other reason might be an employee's intense interest for a promotion may prompt her or him to take part in harmful behaviors to earn favor regardless of the repercussion of hurting the rest of the people. Last but not least, unethical behavior can get influenced at the time that there is external pressure like an employee's fear of becoming jobless because of the organization downsizing.

The organization may promote ethical behavior through giving the employees the rewards for practicing these behaviors that encouraged a healthy organizational image. Secondly, an organization could remove incentives for the people who get involved in unethical behavior. For instance, the organization could introduce rewards plan that offers the whole team within a bonus reward rather than an individual person, aiming at eradicating the possibility of one getting involved in harmful actions with an aim of fulfilling their own interest. Thirdly, is for the organization to create a justified organization that is non-bias amongst the employees, such that members do not have a feeling of being discriminated against, together with having the need to develop behaviors that are unethical to fulfill their interest.

Describe Hofstedes Model of National Culture. Explain why it is important for global organizations to understand and negotiate differing national cultures when operating in other regions of the world. Do you think this makes a difference in whether or not the global organization is successful?

The Hofstedes Model of National Culture is established by five dimensions that include: the power distance which determines countries that have citizens possessing diverse capacities leading to rich and poor classes. Secondly, achievement versus nurturing orientation; it is arrived at by the countrys interest of attaining its goals by performance in relation to the countrys interest for the quality and well-being of life. Thirdly is individualism versus collectivism, the dimension's key aim is the peoples desire or willingness to create a shared correlation versus the essence of independence. Fourthly is uncertainty avoidance whereby individuals from the country remain inside their comfort area to shun from uncertainty. Finally, is the long-term versus short-term orientation with respect to the manner in which individuals manage their daily lives.

As per my perception, Hofstedes Model is of the essence since global business is decided by the culture. It is eminent that organizations take into consideration all five factors prior to reaching the decision to conduct business in a region to lower the risk of running an organization alongside country that could be clashing with their business. Likewise, it could act as the plan for the organization which desires to run business, though it requires familiarizing with the needs to be taken into account before

Starting talks with the other countrys organization.

List and explain the main steps in Kurt Lewin's action research strategy.

Diagnostic action research meant for cropping a required plan of action.

Participant action research that is believed people from the concerned public who were to assist effect the cure.

Empirical action research: It is mainly an element of accruing experiences and record keeping in daily work, preferably with a series of related groups, like a boys club.

Experimental action research: it is applied to a competent study of the comparative efficiency of different techniques in closely homogeneous social situations.