H CH5 Org. technology Flashcards
Which level of analytics can tech be applied to?
Any level
core technology
uninterrupted flow of inputs into transformation processes from which revenues are extracted in order to maintain the org. and allow it to grow
technology of service delivery
- consumed as they are provided
- intangible
- cannot be stored in inventory
Woordward’s typology
- she studied manufacturing org.
- key contributed was the technical complexity typology for comparing technologies
technical complexity typology
- lowest to highest level technical complexity
1. unit or small batch
2. large batch or mass production
3. continuous processing
What should org. using unit or small batch technology have to be more successful?
- smaller span of control
- few levels of management
- decentralized decision-making
- organic org.
What should org. using large batch or mass production have to be more successful?
- managers with large spans of control
- centralized decision making
- mechanistic org.
What should org. using continuous processing technology have to be more successful?
- smaller span of control
- decentralized decision making
- require more levels of management than small batch or mass production due to great technical complexity
- organic forms
Thompson’s typology
- includes org. whose core technology involved service provision
Long-linked technology
- mass production and continuous processing
- sequential steps, linear transformation processes
- standardized inputs and transformation process
Mediating technology
- bring customers together, often without physical contact
- used by banks, brokerage firms
- standardized transformation process, non standardized inputs (different clients)
Intensive technology
- in hospital emergency rooms, consultancies
- requires coordinating the specialized abilities of two or more experts
- transformation of non standardized inputs into customized outputs
- requires on- the spot application
Perrow’s typology
- describes technology based no variability and analyzability of task
task variability
- number of exceptions to standard procedures in the application of a given technology, related to technical complexity
task analyzability
- extent to which, when an exception occurs, there are known methods for dealing with it.
What do highly analyzable tasks allow
decentralization
What is done when tasks are low in analyzability
- more centralization and oversight
technological imperative
- Woodward says that technology determines the social structure an org should adopt.
Woodward and routines of work
- unit and continuous processing tech. involve non routine work
- mass production requires routinized work
- -> routines of work and technical complex is inverted U-shaped
task interdependence (Thompson)
- technologies can be defined by their varying levels of task interdependence
Pooled task interdependence
- mediating technology, org. units perform tasks independent of each other
- -> org. output is the sum of each unit’s effort
Sequential task interdependence
- long-linked technologies, requires more planning and scheduling
Reciprocal task interdependence
- demand ongoing exchanges of information btw. workers who perform the transformation of inputs into outputs
- requires mutual adjustment, when immediate reciprocal cooperation is needed then mutual adjustment takes the form of teamwork
emerging technologies
technologies with the potential to alter or disrupt social and economic conditions regardless of whether they are old or new
new technologies
- stochastic (frequency of unexpected events they create)
- continuous (operate nonstop)
- abstract (hidden form view)
tight coupling
- interdependence btw component parts
normal accidents
- should be expected but cannot be predicted
social construction of technology
- describes how technology is influence by complex sociocultural tradeoffs
