Natural Systems

Question 1

Blau, 1954

Answer 1

Following a rational systems approach is irrational because it ignores the non-rational aspects of social interaction.
Blau, 1954.
- Natural Systems approach -

Question 2

Mayo, 1945

Answer 2

Hawthorne Studies / Human Relations School

When works are aware of observation/attention —-> increase in production, known as the “Hawthorne effect”

• Set the stage for 3 types of Research Offshoots:
  1) Individual differences (personality)
  2) Small-group behavior
  3) Leadership

Could cite Maslow (1943)

Question 3

McGregor (1960)

Answer 3

The human side of the enterprise (individual differences)

Theory X (Rational Systems School)

• people don’t like work and try to avoid it
• people need to be controlled, directed and want security

Theory Y (Natural Systems/Human Relations School)

• most people don’t dislike work,
• threat and control aren’t only means are less effective motivators than ego satisfaction
• McGregor and the Human Relations School were the first to really consider the impact of motivation of employees via alternative forms of management/decision-making and
• • Could link to agency theory

Question 4

Barnard (1938)

Answer 4

• The functions of the executive
• Organizations are cooperative systems, and participants must be induced to make contributions through a variety of incentives.

Question 5

Criticism of the Human Relations School &

Pratt 2000

Answer 5

• critics called HR school “cow sociology “ = happy cows produce more milk but they are still cows.
• The HR school did not humanize the workplace for the sake of humanizing itself, but rather to “therapeutically” increase efficiency for the firm (“Brainwashy” think Sensebreaking/Sensemaking Pratt (2000).