1.7 Open Systems and Contingency Theory

Question 1

Open Systems Theory

Answer 1

Organizations develop and change over time as a result of both external and internal forces

Question 2

3 Key Elements of Open Systems Theory

Answer 2

Inputs
Throughputs
Outputs

Question 3

Organizations Thrive only when?

Answer 3

There is a:
1. Continuous flow of energy from the external environment
2. Continuous export of product out of the system

Question 4

What is Contingency Theory?

Answer 4

Behavior must be selected to fit the particular circumstance

Question 5

Joan Woodward

Answer 5

What is the type of production?
1. Small-batch
2. Mass Production
3. Continous Production

Question 6

Lawrence and Lorsch

Answer 6

Differentiation and Integration determine the company’s ability to keep up with external changes

Question 7

Mechanistic vs Organic Organizations

Answer 7

M: Rules and regulations, decisions at high levels and smaller spans of control (for stable)
O: organization with a large span of control, less formalized procedures and decision making at middle levels (for unstable)

Question 8

Differentiation vs Integration

Answer 8

1. Complexity of the organization structure
2. Amount and quality of collaboration

Question 9

Fiedler

Answer 9

Any individual leadership style is effective only in certain situations

Question 10

Mintzberg

Answer 10

Argued that one could describe an organization by looking at several categories of characteristics
1. Key mechanism used for coordinating efforts
2. functions and roles of people in the org.
3. The context in which the organization operated
4. Priority level depends on the goals

Question 11

Forms of Coordination of Operating Core

Answer 11

1. Mutual adjustments based on informal Comms
2. Direct Supervision
3. S of work process
4. S of KSAOs
5. S of Outputs
6. S of norms