1.2

Question 1

Socio-technical

Answer 1

the interaction between social factors and the technological requirements of the organisation

Question 2

Foster 2018-Model of organisational balance

Answer 2

Socio-Technical system (prescriptive approach: one right way) – organisation as a combination of the social / people and technological aspects [L PATCH HER]

i. LEADER in ME – leaders of people, leaders of skills
ii. Organisational PURPOSE
iii. Creative ADAPTION – empowering people to solve problems
iv. TALENT within – invest in talent
v. Harmonious COMMUNITIES – inter-connected networks
vi. Organisational HABITAT – encourage co-operation within organisation
vii. Organisational HUSBANDRY – holistic framework to make decisions and arrive at solutions with an understanding of unintended consequences and commitment to environmental stewardship and citizenship
viii. ENERGY transformation – sustainable practices to ensure actors are held accountable for outcomes
ix. Organisational RECYCLING – continuous process of change and transformation within the organisation

Question 3

Bertalanffy developed systems theory

Answer 3

to explain the complex interrelationships in the organisational system

Question 4

Systems theory is interdisciplinary

Answer 4

This means it can be described as a science of systems

Question 5

What is the key part of systems theory?

Answer 5

it introduced the idea of the organisation as a complete whole.

we cannot understand the system as a whole by examining a single component

at the same time we cannot explain a single component by examining the whole

Question 6

Contingency approach

Answer 6

A condition based on dependent factors

Question 7

Key features of the contingency approach

Answer 7

• Best viewed as an extension of the systems approach.
• Highlights possible means of differentiating between
  alternative forms of organisation structure and systems of
  management.
• There is no one best design of organisation.
• Most appropriate structure and system of management is
  dependent upon the contingencies of the situation for the
  particular organisation.

Question 8

The Postmodern Organisation

Answer 8

Involves maximising structural and cultural fluidity
through mechanisms such as:

• Multi‐directional information flows, through networking
• Permeable boundaries with the environment
• Downsizing and delayering to shorten decision processes and
  decentralise authority to front‐line responsive units
• Staff flexibility and empowerment: multi‐skilling, team
  autonomy, motivation for commitment, encouragement of
  entrepreneurship
• Cultural tolerance of ambiguity, change and flexibility

Question 9

Developing ‘schools’ of Organisation and Management

Answer 9

Classical
Human relations
Systems
Contingency

Question 10

Classical

Answer 10

Emphasis on formal structure, hierarchy of authority, technical efficiency and productivity and the formulation of universal principles

key figures: Taylor, Fayol, Weber, Urwick, Brech

Question 11

Human relations

Answer 11

shift of attention to human and social factors at work: the formal organization and human behavior shaping productivity.

key figures; Mayo, Roethlisberger & Dickson

Neo-human relations: focus on issues of leadership, motivation and job satisfaction

key figures; Maslow, Herzberg, Argyris, McGregor

Question 12

Systems

Answer 12

Integrating the classical and human relations perspectives by emphasising organisations as open systems (within an external environment)

key figures; Trist & Bamforth

Question 13

Contingency

Answer 13

Recognising that there is no one best way to organise or manage. it all depends on a range of situational variables

key figures; Burns and Stalker, Joan Woodward, Lawrence and Lorsch, Adair, Hersey and Blanchard