HCA 301: Adaptive Organizational Theories, Contingency Theory

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What is the primary goal of the organization according to the Contingency Theory?

To maximize profits regardless of the environment

To ensure employee satisfaction

To maintain a hierarchical structure

To achieve optimal form depending on the environment (correct)

What is a key characteristic of organizations according to Chaos Theory?

Hierarchical command and control

Complexity and self-adaptation (correct)

Predictability and stability

Linearity and rigid structure

What is implied by the concept of environment in Contingency Theory?

Only the physical surroundings of the organization

People, objects, and ideas outside the organization that influence it (correct)

The organization's products and services

The organization's internal structure and operations

What is a limitation of traditional industrial notions of organizations according to Chaos Theory?

They are not effective in complex, high-stakes environments Signup and view all the answers

What is a key principle of organizations implied by Chaos Theory?

Flexibility, fluidity, speed of adaptability, and cultural sensitivity Signup and view all the answers

What type of systems are often cited as examples of Chaos Theory?

Natural systems such as meadows or ponds Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea behind human relations theory?

To encourage staff participation in decision making and idea contribution Signup and view all the answers

What is the term for the tendency of people to perform better when given special attention?

Hawthorne effect Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the company where Elton Mayo conducted his famous studies?

Western Electric Company Signup and view all the answers

According to human relations theory, what is one of the desires of people?

To have personal fulfilment Signup and view all the answers

Who wrote 'Managing health services organizations and systems'?

Longest, B.B., Rakich, J.S., & Darr, K. Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the theory that views organizations as adaptive systems?

Adaptive Organizational Theory Signup and view all the answers

What is a system in the context of organizational theories?

Interrelated parts arranged in a unified whole Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of a manager in a system?

To integrate information and resources from the environment and coordinate the work of the organization Signup and view all the answers

What is the input stage of the healthcare organization as an open system?

Human, financial, and material resources Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of a healthcare organization?

To treat illness, restore function, provide rehabilitation, and protect or promote wellness Signup and view all the answers

What type of system is a healthcare organization?

Open system Signup and view all the answers

What is the output stage of the healthcare organization as an open system?

Treat illness, restore function, provide rehabilitation, and protect or promote wellness Signup and view all the answers

In a simple organizational structure, what are the two main components?

Strategic apex and operating core Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of a machine bureaucracy?

Separate specialized departments Signup and view all the answers

In a professional bureaucracy, what is the distinguishing feature of the operating core?

Groups of professionals Signup and view all the answers

What term did Mintzberg use to describe executive management?

Strategic apex Signup and view all the answers

Who described five classic organizational structures?

Mintzberg Signup and view all the answers

What is the term used to describe the individuals who help standardize and improve the work?

Techno-structure Signup and view all the answers

What is an essential characteristic of an organizational culture?

Unstated 'rules of the game' held by members of the organization Signup and view all the answers

What is a subculture within a healthcare environment?

A group that has shared experiences or like interests and values Signup and view all the answers

According to Cooke and Lafferty, what is the focus of a constructive or positive organizational culture?

Self-actualization, humanism, affiliation, and achievement Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary purpose of strategic planning in an organization?

To project the organization's goals and activities into the future Signup and view all the answers

What is the level at which strategic planning is typically undertaken in an organization?

Board level Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic of strategic planning in an organization?

It is an ongoing process Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following organisational structures is described by Mintzberg as adaptive to change?

Adhocracy Signup and view all the answers

What is the main focus of complexity theory in healthcare management?

Considering every aspect of the system as it interacts and adapts to change Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of individual contributions in organisational theories that consider the organisation as a total system?

Individuals are valued for their unique contributions to the organisation Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of healthcare systems that makes complexity theory particularly useful?

Unpredictability and complexity Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of chaos theory for organisational structures?

The drive to create permanent organisational structures is doomed to fail Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of every encounter between a patient and health professional in complexity theory?

It is a source of information for a possible solution to problems Signup and view all the answers