T1 Flashcards
T1 Literature
What are the four basic theories for explaining organizational change, as outlined by Van de Ven & Poole (1995)?
The four basic theories are Life Cycle, Teleology, Dialectics, and Evolution. These theories represent different sequences of change events driven by different motors and operate at different organizational levels.
What is Life-Cycle Theory?
Life-Cycle Theory explains organizational change as a progression through predefined stages, driven by an inherent code or logic that regulates development. It typically moves from startup (birth), growth, maturity, and eventually decline or death.
Give an example of the Life-Cycle Theory in action.
An example is the growth of a startup. In the birth stage, the company establishes itself in the market, grows rapidly, matures, and may eventually face decline or dissolution.
What are the key features of Life-Cycle Theory?
Life-Cycle Theory is characterized by a unitary sequence of stages, cumulative growth, and conjunctive steps that build on each other. It applies to a single entity, and the mode of change is prescribed, following a pre-defined path.
What is Teleological Theory?
Teleological Theory describes change as a process directed toward a goal or an end state. The entity is adaptive and purposeful, setting and pursuing goals, and the sequence of events can change as needed to reach the end goal.
Provide an example of Teleological Theory in action.
An example is the development of a strategic plan in an organization. The organization sets a future goal and adapts its strategies as needed to achieve that goal.
What is Dialectical Theory?
Dialectical Theory is based on conflict, where change occurs due to the interaction of opposing entities or forces. Change happens when opposing forces clash, leading to a synthesis of new ideas or practices.
Provide an example of Dialectical Theory in action.
An example is a negotiation process between labor and management in a unionized workplace, where both sides negotiate and compromise to reach a mutually acceptable agreement.
What is Evolutionary Theory?
Evolutionary Theory focuses on variation, selection, and retention of organizational forms over time. Organizations evolve by adapting to their environment, with successful forms being retained and less successful ones being discarded.
Provide an example of Evolutionary Theory in action.
An example is the smartphone industry, where companies like Apple and Samsung continuously introduce new products. Over time, successful features are retained, while less successful ones are discarded.
What is the difference between prescribed and constructive modes of change?
Prescribed change follows a predetermined path, such as in Life-Cycle and Evolutionary theories, while constructive change creates novel, often unpredictable forms, as seen in Teleological and Dialectical theories.
How do real-world organizational change processes compare to the four ideal-type theories?
Real-world processes often combine multiple theories, creating composite models. For example, teleology and life-cycle theories can interact, as can life-cycle and dialectical theories in explaining organizational growth crises.
Describe the interaction between Life-Cycle and Teleological motors of change.
The interaction can be seen in technological evolution, where a product initially evolves in a fluid state (teleological), but as its form solidifies, process innovations dominate (life-cycle), leading to increasing rigidity.
What is an example of the interaction between Life-Cycle and Dialectical motors?
Greiner’s model (1972) of organizational growth uses Life-Cycle theory to describe stages like creativity, direction, and delegation, while Dialectical theory explains the crises that push the firm into the next growth stage.
How do Teleological and Evolutionary motors interact?
Teleological motors focus on achieving specific goals, while Evolutionary motors emphasize adapting to environmental changes. Organizations alternate between purposeful changes and gradual adaptation.
