Organization Theory and Design

Abstract

This research paper will demonstrate the knowledge of different organizational theories. This paper will discuss the historical, modern, and postmodern theories in the study of organizations. It will also try to present the analysis of how these perspectives collectively inform the understanding and experience of working in any organizations. The role of the leadership process on organization-wide structure and design will also be discussed. This paper will highlight facts such as how an effective leadership mechanism involves set of competencies to influence and drive the actions of people especially when working in a group or as a team leader. It will also highlight that how leadership enables to lead team while maintaining their enthusiasm and motivation continuously for the accomplishment of goals and objectives.

Table of Contents

Introduction4

Discussion4

Theoretical concepts about organizations4

Functions of management by Henry Fayol5

Strategy Typology by Miles & Snow7

Organizational Types by Mintzberg8

Organizational Culture and Leadership by Schein9

Advantages10

Disadvantages10

Balanced Scorecard Approach by Kaplan & Norton11

Understanding and Experience of working in organization12

Adapting to Environmental Uncertainty12

Differentiation and Integration12

Role of the Leadership on organization13

Leadership in organization14

Idealized Influence15

Conclusion16

References18

Organization Theory and Design

Introduction

An Organisation needs many resources to operate successfully in a competitive environment, which is open to frequent challenges. An efficient labour, 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).

Discussion

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). 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 that 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).

The spread of bureaucracy exemplified the process of Rationalization in the modern world, with paradoxical ...