Podcast
Questions and Answers
What does organizational structure refer to?
What does organizational structure refer to?
Which factor is NOT typically associated with the behavior of individual workers?
Which factor is NOT typically associated with the behavior of individual workers?
How does studying organizational structure benefit understanding behavior at work?
How does studying organizational structure benefit understanding behavior at work?
What aspect of organizations is explored beyond individual-level behavior?
What aspect of organizations is explored beyond individual-level behavior?
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Which technique is likely involved in helping organizations change to become more effective?
Which technique is likely involved in helping organizations change to become more effective?
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What is a key characteristic of traditional organizational structures?
What is a key characteristic of traditional organizational structures?
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In the simple internet retail business example, what is the primary responsibility of the director of operations?
In the simple internet retail business example, what is the primary responsibility of the director of operations?
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How does the marketing specialist fit into the organizational structure of the internet retail business?
How does the marketing specialist fit into the organizational structure of the internet retail business?
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Which of the following best describes nontraditional organizational structures?
Which of the following best describes nontraditional organizational structures?
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What does it mean when an organization is described as 'mechanistic'?
What does it mean when an organization is described as 'mechanistic'?
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Flashcards
Organizational Structure
Organizational Structure
The arrangement of positions in an organization and the authority and responsibility relationships among them.
Organizational Culture
Organizational Culture
The shared values, beliefs, and norms that influence nearly all aspects of behavior in an organization.
Organizational Development
Organizational Development
Techniques used to help organizations change, become more efficient, and better places to work.
Organizational Positions
Organizational Positions
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Organizational Behavior (Organizational Level)
Organizational Behavior (Organizational Level)
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Traditional Structure
Traditional Structure
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Nontraditional Structure
Nontraditional Structure
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Mechanistic Structure
Mechanistic Structure
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Bureaucratic Structure
Bureaucratic Structure
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What is the difference between traditional and nontraditional organizations?
What is the difference between traditional and nontraditional organizations?
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Study Notes
Organizational Issues
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Organizations need to adapt to changing worlds. Organizational development (OD) is an area in I/O psychology drawing on various theories & applications to help organizations adapt and change.
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Organizations vary greatly in structure and climate. Some are hierarchical and bureaucratic (many layers of management), while others are team-oriented and less formal. Organizational structure refers to the arrangement of positions and the authority/responsibility relationships within the company. Every position/role has interrelationships.
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Organizational structure can be viewed as a continuum from formal and traditional to informal and nontraditional.
Traditional vs. Nontraditional Structures
- Traditional structures are rule-driven, stable, and resistant to change. They have clearly defined roles, status, and authority. Often referred to as mechanistic or bureaucratic structures.
- Nontraditional structures are flexible, adaptable, less formalized, with less rigid status. Often smaller than traditional organizations.
Dimensions of Organizational Structure
- Chain of command: The number of authority levels in the organization. A tall structure has many levels, a flat structure has few.
- Span of control: The number of workers who report to a single supervisor. A wide span means many workers per supervisor, a narrow span means few workers.
- Centralized: Decision-making power concentrated at the top levels.
- Decentralized: Decision-making authority dispersed to lower levels.
- Functional Structure: Organization grouped by department function (production, sales, etc.).
- Divisional Structure: Organization grouped by product or customer type
Organizational Culture
- Organizational culture is shared values, beliefs, assumptions, and patterns of behavior. It's akin to an organization's personality.
- Culture is shaped by norms, values, goals, stories, technology, environment, and leadership styles.
- Strong organizational cultures can be beneficial, fostering positive human resource practices which lead to good company performance.
Applying I/O Psychology
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Organizations use CAM (Computer-Aided Manufacturing) technology. This leads to structural re-organization and increased decentralization of decision-making, but also to increased need for rules in production.
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Different types of organizational structures fit different types of organizational technology (routine, engineering, craft, non-routine).
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Contingency models consider how environmental factors (size, customers, tech) impact an ideal organizational structure. The Woodward model suggests how different levels of technology relate to organizational structure and success. Perrow's model looks at the level of analyzability of work tasks and exceptions to suggest how structure might relate to effectiveness.
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Description
This quiz explores the concept of organizational development within I/O psychology, focusing on how organizations adapt to changing environments. It contrasts traditional and nontraditional organizational structures, highlighting the implications of each on adaptability and effectiveness.
