ch 7 Flashcards
What does technology refer to
technology refers to the information, equipment, techniques and processes required to transform inputs into outputs in an organization. Technology looks at how the inputs are converted to outputs
Joan Woodward, what 3 types of mode of production technology
Unit production
Mass production
Process production
What is Unit production
defined as technology where units are custom-made and work is non-routine;
What is Mass production
which is large-batch or mass-produced technology; and
What is Process production
defined as highly controlled, standardized and continuous processing technology.
How was mass production firms structured
highly differentiated,
relied on extensive formalization, and
did relatively little to delegate authority.
How was unit/ process production firms structured
less vertical differentiation, less division of labour, more group activities, more widely defined role responsibilities, and decentralized decision making.
How did Charles Perrow defined technology
as ‘the action that an individual performs upon an object, with or without the aid of tools or mechanical devices, in order to make some change in that object.’
Explain Task variability
which considers the number of exceptions encountered in one’s work. These exceptions will be few in number if the job is high in predictability. At the other end of spectrum, if a job has a great deal of variety a large number of exceptions can be expected.
explain Problem analysability
which assesses the type of search procedures to find successful methods for responding to task exceptions. The search may, at one extreme, be described as well defined. The other extreme is ill-defined problems.
What is routine technology and how can most routine technology can be accomplished
Routine technologies are those technologies which have few exceptions and easy-to-analyse problems (e.g. mass production of cars).
- -standardized coordination and control,
- -high formalization, and
- -high centralization.
This is because the production process is repetitive and easily understood and the exceptions may be anticipated and planned for.
what are engineering technologies
large number of exceptions, but can be handled in a rational and systematic manner (e.g. work of accountants).
Engineering technology, because it has many exceptions but analysable search processes, should have decisions centralized but should maintain flexibility through low formalization.
What are Craft technologies
deal with relatively difficult problems but with a limited set of exceptions (e.g. work of performing artists).
Craft technology requires that problem solving be done by those with the greatest knowledge and experience – which essentially means high degree of decentralization.
What are Non-routine technologies
many exceptions and difficult-to-analyse problems (e.g. basic research activities).
Non-routine technologies demand flexibility - they usually:
–are decentralized,
–have high interaction among all members, and
–have a minimum degree of formalization.
What did James Thompson demonstrate
technology determines the selection of a strategy for reducing uncertainty and that specific structural arrangements can facilitate uncertainty reduction. Thompson proposed three types of technology, each creating a type of interdependence:
