Week 1

Week 1 (Strategic Organizational Design)

Week 1 - Overview & Learning Objectives

Attached Files:

File Chapter 1. Organizations and Organization Theory.pptx Chapter 1. Organizations and Organization Theory.pptx - Alternative Formats (1.518 MB)

Assigned Readings:

Chapter 1. Organizations and Organization Theory.

Overview:

Chapter 1 introduces students to characteristics of organizations and organizations as systems. Definitions and examples are given to provide students an understanding of organization theory and its value in becoming better managers in a rapidly changing world. You may wish to refer throughout the semester to the GE case that opens the chapter, and to update the case regularly from current business analyses. Organization theory is defined and shown to have practical applications for managers, and a brief history of the evolution of organization design theory is provided. A framework for the remainder of the book is also provided, which will be useful as an introductory overview and as a frame of reference throughout the course.

Chapter 1. Organizations and Organization Theory

Learning Objectives

After reading this chapter you should be able to:

Discuss current challenges that organizations face.

Describe the importance of organizations in society.

Describe how the structural dimensions of organizations are shaped by contingencies organizations face.

Outline the evolution of organizational design.

Compare and contrast organic and mechanistic organization designs, including the contingency factors typically associated with each.

Explain the current trend toward boss less organization design.

Discussion Board

Reflection and Discussion Forum Week 1

Assigned Readings:

Chapter 1. Organizations and Organization Theory.

Initial Postings: Read and reflect on the assigned readings for the week. Then post what you thought was the most important concept(s), method(s), term(s), and/or any other thing that you felt was worthy of your understanding in each assigned textbook chapter.Your initial post should be based upon the assigned reading for the week, so the textbook should be a source listed in your reference section and cited within the body of the text. Other sources are not required but feel free to use them if they aid in your discussion.

Also, provide a graduate-level response to each of the following questions:

Describe some ways in which the digitalization of business has influenced or affected an organization with which you are familiar, such as your college or university, a local retailer or restaurant, a volunteer organization, a club to which you belong, or even your family. Can you identify both positive and negative aspects of this influence?

[Your post must be substantive and demonstrate insight gained from the course material. Postings must be in the student's own words - do not provide quotes!]

[Your initial post should be at least 450+ words and in APA format (including Times New Roman with font size 12 and double spaced). Post the actual body of your paper in the discussion thread then attach a Word version of the paper for APA review]

Submitting the Initial Posting:Your initial posting should be completed by Thursday, 11:59 p.m. EST.

Response to Other Student Postings: Respond substantively to the post of at least two peers, by Friday, 11:59 p.m. EST. A peer response such as “I agree with her,” or “I liked what he said about that” or similar comments are not considered substantive and will not be counted for course credit.

Assignment

Activity 1

Early management theorists believed that organizations should strive to be logical and rational, with a place for everything and everything in its place. Discuss the pros and cons of this approach for today's organizations.

The assignment is to answer the question provided above in essay form. This is to be in narrative form and should be as thorough as possible. Bullet points should not be used. The paper should be at least 1.5 - 2 pages in length, Times New Roman 12-pt font, double-spaced, 1 inch margins and utilizing at least one outside scholarly or professional source related to competitive strategy. The textbook should also be utilized. Do not insert excess line spacing. APA formatting and citation should be used.