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DB 2: TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL STRUCTURES
Discussion Board 2: Technology and Social Structures
Stephanie Green
School of Business, Liberty University
BUSI 735: Understanding the Organization
Dr. Michael Coleman
November 19, 2020
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DB 2: TECHNOLOGY AND SOCIAL STRUCTURES
Discussion Board 2: Technology and Social Structures
Organizations are a combination of technical systems and social systems. The technology
structure focuses on the work and productivity of the organization. It is the driving force that
leads to performance and success of the organization. However, the social structure is equally
important. The social structure and boundaries help motivate, engage, and connect employees to
the organization. Without it, employees face job burn-out, alienation, lack of motivation,
decreased performance, and decreased productivity. Organizations also experience high
employee turnover, decrease productivity, higher costs to maintain a certain level of
performance, and loss of human capital and resources (Gupta, 2017; Cole et al., 2011; Crawford
et al., 2010). Under each of the main and hybrid organizational perspectives, they have different
technology structures and social boundaries as well as issues that employees encounter.
Technology Structures
Technology, according to Scott and Davis (2016), “refers to the work performed by an
organization” (p. 125). It includes not just the hardware used but also the human skills and
knowledge needed to complete the work. Under each of the three main organizational
perspectives—natural, rational, and open—the technology structure can vary and can lead to
different goals. As Jay Galbraith states, “There is no one best way to organize; however, any way
of organizing is not equally effective” (Scott & Davis, 2016, p. 127). While there is no one best
