Rational, Natural, Open & Combined Systems (Overview)

Question 1

Morgan (1986)

Answer 1

Definitions of the 3 systems:
- A machine for accomplishing goals (Rational), social system with social structure and culture (Natural), or as a organism moving through its resource environment (Open)

Question 2

Rational, Natural, Open & Combined Systems Overview

Answer 2

• Over the course of the 20th century three distinct schools of thought (paradigms) on organizations have developed.
  These highlight different aspects of organizations and encourage us to see different patterns of relationships. The type of organization you build depends on which set of assumption you prescribe to.

1) Rational “a machine”
features (a) formalized deliberate /purposeful /rational pursuit of (b) specific clearly defined goals
Cites: Weber (1924), Taylor (1947), Simon (1960)

2) Natural “Social Structures”
- Yes, goals and formal structure exist but often they exhibit little influence on behavior (Gouldner, 1959).
Social Collectives, forged by consensus (Barnard) or conflict (Marx), consisting of individuals pursuing multiple interests to varying degrees.
—Social concensus view - fairly common individual goals (Barnard, 1938)
—Social conflict view - social order results from coercion (not consensus) of weak by powerful (Marx).
Cites:
Barnard (1938), Mayo (1945), Blau (1956), McGregor (1960),
- Could cite Maslow (1943)-SelfActualization

Similarities/Differences:

• Rational is focused on Decisions (Search, Choice) Natural if focused on Behaviors (Actions, Motivations)
• Rational considers formal structure (Heirarchy), Natural looks at informal structures.
• Rational & Natural Systems are considered CLOSED SYSTEMS (separate from its environment)*

3) Open “An organism”
Orgs are a system of interdependent activities (some loosely and some tightly coupled) embedded in institutional environments.

Combined -