Argumentative Essay

Abstract

The paper attempts to discuss the organizational perspective in a holistic context. It explains the concept of an organization in various ways and encompasses different aspects of the organization. The paper starts with the theretical concepts about organizations and explains the concept of rational bureaucracy by Weber, functions of Management by Henry Fayol and strategy typology by Miles and Snow. It also discusses the organizational types explained by Mintzberg. The paper then emphasizes on the importance and concept of power, control and conflict in an organization and a workplace set up. It highlights cultural barriers and other aspects of organization and attempts to discuss the organizational culture.

Table of Contents

Introduction4

Discussion4

Theoretical Concepts about Organizations4

Rational bureaucracy by Weber4

Functions of Management by Henry Fayol5

Strategy Typology by Miles & Snow7

Organizational Types by Mintzberg8

Power, Control and Conflict10

Cultural Barriers and other Aspects of Organization11

Organizational Culture12

Conclusion14

References16

Argumentative Essay

Introduction

An Organization needs many resources to operate successfully in a competitive environment, which is open to frequent challenges. An efficient labor, a large piece of land and sufficient capital are certainly not enough to ensure success, proper implementation of carefully formulated strategies and an excellent leadership are very important. Managing a business properly is essential to secure good profit and growth figures. A good leadership greatly assists in enabling the managing authorities to make appropriate decisions (Northouse, 2009, 176-188).

Discussion

PART A:Theoretical Concepts about Organizations

Rational bureaucracy by Weber

The concept was first systematically defined by Weber, who provided the frame of reference for much of the sociological research into modern large-scale organizations.

Weber locates the analysis of bureaucracy within a theory of power, Domination and legitimacy in which modern rational bureaucracy is most closely approximated in 'legal-rational forms of domination' dependent upon the development of a money economy, the free market, legal codification and the expansion of administration (Winkler, 2009, 95 - 103). Weber's ideal type of bureaucracy involves:

1.Domination based upon written rules in a hierarchy of specialized offices;

2.Recruitment based upon qualifications;

3.Offices that are impersonal and clearly distinguished from incumbents; they are also segregated from private life and private property Consequently, office holding is a 'vocation' based upon expert training, offering a salary with pension and tenure, and a career ladder in which promotion depends upon seniority and/or ability

In its pure form, rational bureaucracy is seen as technically superior to all previous forms of administration (such as patriarchal) by virtue of its speed, predictability, precision and dispassionate treatment of 'cases' without regard to personal considerations. Thus Weber distinguished between rational bureaucracy and earlier forms of bureaucracy in ancient societies which were based upon personal allegiance to the ruler and payment in kind. Modern bureaucracy pervades state administration and all the major institutions in capitalist society, including the military, the church, education and private enterprise (Wexler, 2005, 315 - 356).

Functions of Management by Henry Fayol

For Fayol, the administrative function is one tool body and the social body while the other functions come into play raw materials and machines, administrative functions only work on the staff. Fayol by introducing a hierarchical scheme and to further the issue of ...