H CH5 Org. technology

Question 1

Which level of analytics can tech be applied to?

Answer 1

Any level

Question 2

core technology

Answer 2

uninterrupted flow of inputs into transformation processes from which revenues are extracted in order to maintain the org. and allow it to grow

Question 3

technology of service delivery

Answer 3

• consumed as they are provided
• intangible
• cannot be stored in inventory

Question 4

Woordward’s typology

Answer 4

• she studied manufacturing org.

- key contributed was the technical complexity typology for comparing technologies

Question 5

technical complexity typology

Answer 5

• lowest to highest level technical complexity
  1. unit or small batch
  2. large batch or mass production
  3. continuous processing

Question 6

What should org. using unit or small batch technology have to be more successful?

Answer 6

• smaller span of control
• few levels of management
• decentralized decision-making
• organic org.

Question 7

What should org. using large batch or mass production have to be more successful?

Answer 7

• managers with large spans of control
• centralized decision making
• mechanistic org.

Question 8

What should org. using continuous processing technology have to be more successful?

Answer 8

• 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

Question 9

Thompson’s typology

Answer 9

• includes org. whose core technology involved service provision

Question 10

Long-linked technology

Answer 10

• mass production and continuous processing
• sequential steps, linear transformation processes
• standardized inputs and transformation process

Question 11

Mediating technology

Answer 11

• bring customers together, often without physical contact
• used by banks, brokerage firms
• standardized transformation process, non standardized inputs (different clients)

Question 12

Intensive technology

Answer 12

• 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

Question 13

Perrow’s typology

Answer 13

• describes technology based no variability and analyzability of task

Question 14

task variability

Answer 14

• number of exceptions to standard procedures in the application of a given technology, related to technical complexity

Question 15

task analyzability

Answer 15

• extent to which, when an exception occurs, there are known methods for dealing with it.

Question 16

What do highly analyzable tasks allow

Answer 16

decentralization

Question 17

What is done when tasks are low in analyzability

Answer 17

• more centralization and oversight

Question 18

technological imperative

Answer 18

• Woodward says that technology determines the social structure an org should adopt.

Question 19

Woodward and routines of work

Answer 19

• unit and continuous processing tech. involve non routine work
• mass production requires routinized work
• -> routines of work and technical complex is inverted U-shaped

Question 20

task interdependence (Thompson)

Answer 20

• technologies can be defined by their varying levels of task interdependence

Question 21

Pooled task interdependence

Answer 21

• mediating technology, org. units perform tasks independent of each other
• -> org. output is the sum of each unit’s effort

Question 22

Sequential task interdependence

Answer 22

• long-linked technologies, requires more planning and scheduling

Question 23

Reciprocal task interdependence

Answer 23

• 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

Question 24

emerging technologies

Answer 24

technologies with the potential to alter or disrupt social and economic conditions regardless of whether they are old or new

Question 25

new technologies

Answer 25

• stochastic (frequency of unexpected events they create)
• continuous (operate nonstop)
• abstract (hidden form view)

Question 26

tight coupling

Answer 26

• interdependence btw component parts

Question 27

normal accidents

Answer 27

• should be expected but cannot be predicted

Question 28

social construction of technology

Answer 28

• describes how technology is influence by complex sociocultural tradeoffs