1. Systems approaches
Chapter 4

2. Organization as a system
A open, complex set of interdependent parts that interact to adapt to a constantly changing environment to achieve its goals (Kreps)
Metaphor-biological reference (organismic)
Input-throughput-output-feedback-environment
Balance between the whole & individual parts is crucial
Synergy-sum of whole >than sum of parts
Consider what this means within an organization

3. SYSTEMS MODEL (Kreps) Environment Energy from the Environment Input
Transformation
Output
Feedback

4. System Basics System components System processes Hierarchical ordered
Interdependence
Permeability
Equilibrium
Adaptation
System processes
Exchange processes
Feedback processes
Transformation processes

5. System properties Holism (synergy) Negative Entropy Complexity
System is more than the sum of its parts
Negative Entropy
Ability to sustain and grow (avoid entropy)
Entropy=tendency of a closed system to run down
Complexity
The more a system grows, the more it develops

6. System properties Equifinality Requisite variety
-More than one way to achieve a goal or task
-More than one way to do the job
Requisite variety
-Organization has to be as complex as the environment it is in
-Organization needs to consider the relationship with its environment

7. Cybernetics Systems Theory
Study of regulation and control
Corrective Feedback to maintain system
Components
System goal
Mechanisms
Feedback
System behavior

8. Weick’s Theory of Organizing
Organizations are something individuals accomplish through interaction
Organizations are more than just containers where communication happens! Organizations are interaction!
Organizing
Not just structure but activities consisting of communication
All organizing activities consist of behaviors that are interlocked through communication
People are part of their environment

9. Weick’s Theory of Organizing
All activities are designed to reduce equivocality (unpredictability inherent in every environment)
Enactment (process of acting out or making-organizational members construct meaning and make sense of their environment
Members construct meaning through interaction

10. Weick’s Model of Organizing
Ecological change (environment)
Enactment (How you make sense of the environment)
Selection (How individuals deal with equivocality or uncertainty using Assembly Rules which are guidelines to reduce equivocality
Retention
Causal maps-used to make sense of future equivocality in the informational environment

11. New Science Systems Theory
Chaos theory
Order emerges from disorder, not linear or logical process
Systems don’t strive for equilibrium
Complexity and chaotic nature of organizational systems means emergence of innovation, form, and processes

12. The Congruence Model (systematic way to consider root workplace elements that drive org. performance)
The higher degree of fit (congruence) among organizational components, the more effective the organization.
Fit = Alignment of strategy, work (task), communication, people, structure, culture)
Interdependence is critical
Transformation = the work & business processes that convert resources into offerings (Consider input and output)
“The greater the total degree of congruence (fit) among organizational components, the more effective the organization will be.

13. Definitions of Fit
The higher the compatibility among these elements in the workplace, the greater the performance. Consider match.
Individual-Organization (Culture)
Does individual’s skill match work expectations? (creative individual doesn’t fit classical type org.)
Does individual’s mang. Style match informal or formal structure of org.?
More about this model

14. Informal Organization
Congruence Model
(Nadler & Tushman)
Input
Environment
Resources
History
Work
Formal Organization
Informal Organization
People
Output
System
Unit
Individual
Strategy

15. Methods for studying organizational systems
Important to look a the “whole,” the “parts,” and how the “connectivity” of the parts
Modeling techniques
Drawing and analyzing maps that characterize org. communication systems and the communication rules
Network analysis
Properties of networks and links
Network roles-more than one role in a network