Mintzberg (C11 - Configuration)

Question 1

Two sides of the school

Answer 1

Two sides of the school;

configurations - the organisation adopts states of being, and therefore strategy is leaping from one state to another.

transformations - a consequence of configuration.

Question 2

Premise

Answer 2

encompasses other schools;

1. the majority of time, the organisation holds a stable configuration of characteristics. structure and behaviour is matched to the environment and context.
2. periods of stability are interrupted by transformation - leap to another configuration.
3. successive states of configuration and transformation order themselves into patterned sequences over time.
4. maintain stability, be adaptable and recognise need for transformation time to time.
5. strategy matches context
6. resulting strategies take the form of plans, patterns or positions or perspectives, but each for its own time and matched to its own situation.

Question 3

Configurations

Answer 3

entrepreneurial configuration - informal and flexible structure with dynamic ability.

machine organisation - standardised jobs and middle management. stable and mature industry.

professional organisation - decentralised but standardised work e.g. doctors, hospitals.

diversified organisation - independent units

adhocracy - coordination by mutual adjustment

Question 4

criticisms

Answer 4

few real organisations fit the prescribed configurations.

incremental change occurs as opposed to ‘quantum’ change