A Mechanistic Mode Of Organization Business Essay

A Mechanistic Mode Of Organization Business Essay The structure of any organization has a clear impact on both employee behaviour and its performance Organizational Structure as Determinant of Organizational Performance: Uncovering Essential Facets of Organic and Mechanistic Structure. On the other hand, an organizational structure provides an overview about the hierarchy of levels, roles and responsibilities, authorities, communication channels, etc. Mechanistic organizational structure has a certain amount of bureaucratic features such as being a rigid structure, centralized in decision making, having well defined job roles and well-defined communication channels. These features ensure high efficiency in strict processes and procedures. Furthermore, it reduces flexibility and learning opportunities. The success of the mechanistic structure depends largely upon the external environment and also effectiveness in increasing organizational performance. It is of utmost importance to understand the definition of the organizational structure since it affects both employee behaviour and organizational performance (Organizational Structure as Determinant of Organizational Performance: Uncovering Essential Facets of Organic and Mechanistic Structure). Organizational structure is understood as a method consisting of responsibilities and power allocated amongst members and how work procedures are carried out among them. (Nahm et al., 2003). It also includes the layers of hierarchy, centralization of authority, and horizontal integration. However, an organizational structure is a multi-dimensional construct which illustrates the division of work (roles or responsibilities including specification), departmentalization, centralization, complexity, communication or coordination mechanisms including standardization, formalization and flexibility (How does organizational structure influence performance through learning and innovation in Austria and China). Two main types of organizational structures can be identified as mechanistic and organic. The next paragraph would provide an overview of the mechanistic organizational structure whilst discussing its nature and characteristics. Mechanistic structure is  hierarchical  and bureaucratic by nature. Its structure, processes and roles are considered as a machine where each part of the organization does what it is intended to do. Three main features could be identified. Namely highly centralized  authority, formalized procedures and  practices specialized functions (Businessdictionary.com). Thus, a mechanistic structure has a clear, well-defined, centralized, vertical hierarchy of command, authority, and control. It achieves efficiency and predictability through specialization, standardization, and formalization. Rigidly defined jobs, technologies, and processes are outcomes of such mechanical organizational structure. Mechanistic structure aims to achieve efficiency thorough tight control (Enotes/Studymaster). Characteristics for mechanistic organizational structure are listed below: Stable environment This organizational structure works best when the environment is relatively stable. Low differentiation of tasks Tasks will not be differentiated much, because each subtask is relatively stable and easy to control. Low integration of e.g. departments and functional areas Due to the stability of tasks, there will be low integration between departments and functional areas, because tasks stay relatively stable, and because the functional areas are not heavily dependent on each other. Centralized decision-making When the environment is stable, there is no need for complex decision-making that involves people at lower levels. Therefore, decision-making is centralized at the top of the organization. Standardization and formalization When tasks are stable, tasks should be standardized and formalized, so that operations can run smoothly without breakdowns. Source : http://www.businessmate.org/Article.php?ArtikelId=44 Mechanistic organizations prefer formalized structure due to two main reasons. It reduces the variability within the organization and enhances predictability in the organization rather than being ambiguous (Mintzberg, 1979). A highly formalized mechanistic structure demands nearly all processes and procedures to be administratively authorized. On the other hand, it considers processes and procedures outside to those authorized protocols as variances which should be brought under control meaning that decision making in all dealings should be done by applying such provided procedures, policies, rules or instructions (Enotes/Studymaster). A mechanistic structure enables employee behaviour more predictable while enhancing standardization within the organization. For example, an employee is well aware of handling customer sales returns or accepting credit card payments. Formalization enables organizations to improve performance (Hahn, 2007). In contrast, it also curbs any opportunities for innovation and fresh ideas, since variations are not allowed or encouraged. Consequently, a mechanistic structure does not support or adapt quickly to changes in the external environment. Hence a mechanistic type of organizational structure is best suited for large organizations which operate in more stable environments where it helps to maximize the organizational efficiency while minimizing the cost through formalization and centralized decision making (Carpenter et al, 1969). Classical management theories perceive an organization as a machine (Fayol, 1949; Taylor, 1911). Classical theories emphasis the need for bureaucracy within o rganizations resulting the lack of space towards creativity and innovativeness. Thus, Classical management theories encourage a mechanistic type of an organizational structure (Organizational Structure as Determinant of Organizational Performance: Uncovering Essential Facets of Organic and Mechanistic Structure). However, organizations that operate in a rapidly changing environment requires to frequently change their processes and procedures with the changes that take place in the external environment. Moreover, it requires taking action according to the situation in order to enhance adaptability to environment. Thus, formulation and authority which exist in mechanistic structures does not encourage deviating from defined processes and procedures. Therefore, mechanistic kind of organizational structure is not effective for organizations that operate in a dynamic environment. It can be seen, that mechanistic organizations increase efficiency when tasks and technologies are relatively stable.  Meaning that stable environments and technology allow work to be clearly defined and differentiated. A scientific method should be used to separate work process to identify precise tasks, assign tasks in order to employees and monitor employee performance (Fayol, 1949; Taylor, 1911). Work activity of a mechanistic organization is separated into specific tasks. A specialized job position is created by assigning one or more specific tasks which requires rigidly defined set of skills, methodology and procedure to perform jobs. Furthermore, specific responsibilities or authority is assigned to each job function. Line managers and lower-level staff are to strictly perform assigned tasks according to strict procedures whereas few higher level managers monitor their performance. (Organizational Structure as Determinant of Organizational Performance: Uncovering Essential F acets of Organic and Mechanistic Structure). Managers perform as planners and monitors in a mechanistic type of organization. This leads to high levels of efficiency by clear instructions to perform specific tasks. On the other hand, it provides fewer opportunities for innovation. Thus, innovation is restricted to achieve efficiency in the processes. However, this can be more suitable to improve efficiency in a stable environment rather than depending on innovative ideas. For example, Few customers, for instance, would want a McDonalds employee to use creativity in preparing their hamburger. Instead, the repetitiveness and stability of the procedure needed to cook a hamburger is more efficient when the employee follows established procedures and customers can trust that each hamburger they purchase will taste the same (Enotes/Studymaster). In contrast, a rapidly changing external environment requires innovative ideas to face external environment demand. Furthermore, it requires more flexibility in procedures and processes to meet demands from the external environment. Employees would be given more flexibility to deal with their customers meaning that lower level employees would have a certain amount of liberty to make certain decisions in order to face the situation and solve problems. Thus, the mechanistic structure is less effective for organizations that operate in challenging environments. Centralized decision making in mechanistic type organizations enable few higher management personnel to actively be involved in decision making. Clear communication channels allow formal communication or information flows from top to bottom or vice versa. Classical theorists provides a view point that centralized decision making increases organizational efficiency and definitely results in better organizational performance (Gulick and Urwick, 1937; Weber, 1947). Classical theorists focus was more on hierarchical authority and pays less or no attention to the degree of employee participation in decision making. Employee involvement in decision making is definitely an important aspect of any organizational structure and which directly influence organizational performance (Carter and Cullen, 1984; Khakani et al, 2012). Furthermore, centralized decision-making leads to the effective and efficient functioning of any bureaucratic structures (Goodsell, 1985). Scientific management of organi zations is possible only if decision-making is restricted to few employees (upper level management) within organizations as discussed in the concept of Taylor (1911) (Mansoor, Aslam (2012). However, centralized decision making is more suited for stable and large organizations. Thus, in highly dynamic external environments, organizations require to act fast in order to survive within the in environment in which it operates. Therefore, certain amount of decision making power is required to decentralize and empower lower level employees. This helps them to react to quick changes that occur in the external environment. It is evident that the mechanistic type of structure would not sufficiently support organizations up to expectations when they are engaged within challenging external environments. Therefore, the extent to which formalization exists within an organization depends on the technology, size and the organizations traditions (Robbins 1990, Burton and Obel, 1998 (Mansoor, Aslam (2012). In a mechanistic structure, the clear distance between employees and management provide fewer opportunities to bring in new ideas by subordinates. Moreover, those who bring change can be threaded according to the X theory of Douglas McGregor. Therefore, resistance to change is high and innovation is not so much encouraged in organizations having a mechanistic type of organization hierarchy. (Armstrong, 2008). However, organizations face immense competition in todays challenging and dynamic external environment. Therefore, organizations with mechanistic structure face various difficulties when introducing quick changes due to the highly formalized nature of the hierarchy itself. However, learning is a critical factor that affects organizational development. The below diagram displays steps that are adhered to in single loop learning. Source : http://www.cognitivedesignsolutions.com/KM/Learning.htm Mechanistic type of organizations can use this model to improve efficiency in their processes. The single loop model focuses on analyzing actions and feedback to identify the gap between where we are and where we need to be. Therefore, changes are implemented as actions but not as governing variables (Create advantage). Kolbs (1984) classic interpretation of learning concisely describes the single-loop learning process and is considered a simplified version of the scientific method (Kolb 1984, Armstrong 2008).  Ã‚   As discussed above, learning and implementing change requires flexibility within systems and procedures. The rigid structure in mechanistic organizations does not facilitate comfortable implementation of changes. A well-defined structure demands authorization of all changes and formal communication within organizations. In mechanistic type of structures communicating and formalizing all necessary changes takes a considerable effort and time where dynamic external environment demands quick changes. Therefore, companies face various challenges in adjusting to the external environment. Furthermore, implementation of change requires modifying tasks or roles where employees resist since their knowledge is more specific to a task or set of tasks. On the other hand, change may require training needs and considerable time to adapt which intern has an impact on efficiency of processes. Moreover, the amount of bureaucracy seen in mechanistic structures makes it difficult to introduce change. I n conjunction, it reduces participation opportunities for employees in lower levels when deciding on changes. Clear distance between hierarchical levels of the organization and communication lines reduces awareness about such changes. Therefore, employees fear change and resist to innovation. It is of utmost importance to consider the rate of changes in technology and the external environment while deciding on the amount of formalization and specialization used within the mechanistic structure. Considering all these factors it can be decided that a mechanistic structure provides less space for rapid changes. Therefore, it is more suitable for large organizations operating in comparatively stable environments. Moreover, the type of organizational structure cannot be precisely identified as good or bad since it depends on the firms internal and external environments. An organization structure that suits a specific industry will necessarily be suited for another industry owing to many external factors such as competition and technological impacts. A mechanistic structure by nature is highly formalized and specialized with well defined procedures, processes and roles. Centralized decision making is one of the main features in a mechanistic structure. Higher level managers are involved in decision making whereas their subordinates are expected to carry out specific task or tasks within the department. Therefore, the mechanistic structure provides fewer opportunities for learning. However, the flexibility in the structure is a key to promote learning. Learning and innovation is highly required when dealing with changing and dynamic environments. Mechanistic structure does not provide enough flexibility to change or modify decision making according to situations. Therefore, a mechanistic type of structure is highly efficient for an organization which operates in a more stable environment. These features of mechanistic structures reduce opportunities for learning. Altering the level of mechanistic characteristics will help a firm t o increase learning opportunities to some extent.

Addiction: A Desease Or A Choice? :: Drugs Alcohol

People argue whether drug addiction is a disease or a choice. Today, I will be discussing this argument in hopes to have a better understanding as to why this topic is so controversial. Throughout my research, I easily found information on this topic and I am still not sure I have found any answers. The biggest argument is that addiction is a choice not a disease. For those on the other side of the argument they claim just the opposite. According to a source on the Internet entitled Alcohol and Drug Treatment: The Disease Concept Of Substance Abuse and Addiction, the idea of drugs and alcohol being a disease is a â€Å"very controversial and debated topic.† For the purposes of this essay, I am forced to agree that drug addiction is a choice. People get high and drink because they want to and if they are not careful they can become an addict. The research I found on this particular topic seemed to have the most support and facts to dismiss the idea that addiction is a disease. I also beeivle if there was enough evidence to support the idea of addiction being a disease it would not be such a controversial topic. According to a Website entitled â€Å"Saint Jude Retreat House,† alcoholism and drug addiction are not diseases because those types of behaviors can be avoided and there is help available to change these behaviors. Although it has been found true that drug and alcohol dependency can be passed down through hereditary there is no concrete evidence I have found that proves that this is a disease. In a book entitled Treating Substance Abuse, Theory and Technique 2nd edition, says â€Å"This first and probably least controversial of the disease models can be termed the â€Å"medical consequences model.† (Page 11). This statement seems to be saying that because this topic is so controversial and not enough medical proof is available it has been given a generic name. It is true that drugs and alcohol can cause diseases, but does that make the addiction problem a disease? Perhaps this topic is so controversial because of the lack of knowledge or understanding of drug addiction. On a Website entitled â€Å"Addiction is a Chronic Disease,† the source was comparing diabetes and cancer to support their idea that drug addiction to is a chronic disease. The Website did not give any additional support and provided no examples. Addiction: A Desease Or A Choice? :: Drugs Alcohol People argue whether drug addiction is a disease or a choice. Today, I will be discussing this argument in hopes to have a better understanding as to why this topic is so controversial. Throughout my research, I easily found information on this topic and I am still not sure I have found any answers. The biggest argument is that addiction is a choice not a disease. For those on the other side of the argument they claim just the opposite. According to a source on the Internet entitled Alcohol and Drug Treatment: The Disease Concept Of Substance Abuse and Addiction, the idea of drugs and alcohol being a disease is a â€Å"very controversial and debated topic.† For the purposes of this essay, I am forced to agree that drug addiction is a choice. People get high and drink because they want to and if they are not careful they can become an addict. The research I found on this particular topic seemed to have the most support and facts to dismiss the idea that addiction is a disease. I also beeivle if there was enough evidence to support the idea of addiction being a disease it would not be such a controversial topic. According to a Website entitled â€Å"Saint Jude Retreat House,† alcoholism and drug addiction are not diseases because those types of behaviors can be avoided and there is help available to change these behaviors. Although it has been found true that drug and alcohol dependency can be passed down through hereditary there is no concrete evidence I have found that proves that this is a disease. In a book entitled Treating Substance Abuse, Theory and Technique 2nd edition, says â€Å"This first and probably least controversial of the disease models can be termed the â€Å"medical consequences model.† (Page 11). This statement seems to be saying that because this topic is so controversial and not enough medical proof is available it has been given a generic name. It is true that drugs and alcohol can cause diseases, but does that make the addiction problem a disease? Perhaps this topic is so controversial because of the lack of knowledge or understanding of drug addiction. On a Website entitled â€Å"Addiction is a Chronic Disease,† the source was comparing diabetes and cancer to support their idea that drug addiction to is a chronic disease. The Website did not give any additional support and provided no examples.

Similarities In Cognitive Development Education Essay

Cognitive development is defined as the countries of neuroscience and psychological science surveies, concentrating on stripling development with particular concentrating on information processing, linguistic communication acquisition, conceptual resources, perceptual accomplishment, and encephalon development. Jean Piaget and Lev Semyonovich Vygotsky were two innovators in the field of cognitive development. With this essay I will compare and contrast each theoretician ‘s positions on the nature or development of intelligence. I shall besides compare their positions on the phases of development from birth through adolescence. And eventually I will integrate possible schoolroom applications of each theoretician ‘s positions. Piaget believed that all kids are born with a inclination to interact with and do sense of their environment and that they need small instructor intercession. He referred to the basic ways of forming and treating information as cognitive constructions. He defined the mental forms that guide behavior as strategies, and he theorized that we use strategies to happen out approximately and interact with the universe around us. Piaget ‘s theory consisted of stairss in the development of new strategies of cognitive development referred to as version of seting strategies in response to a new object being introduced in our environment. The first measure in version if called assimilation, or seeking to understand the new object or event in our environment from known strategy, and if the new object does non suit into an bing strategy, the person will travel into adjustment where they modify an bing strategy to suit the new state of affairs. Finally the individual will make an apprehension of the new object, this procedure of reconstructing a balance between current strategies and the integrating of the new strategies is known as equilibration. Piaget theory of rational development is a constructivism position, where persons build systems of understanding through their experiences and interaction with in their environment, proposing that development came before acquisition, that specific cognitive constructions need to be developed before certain types of acquisition can take topographic point. Like Piaget, Lev Vygotsky believed that cognitive development takes topographic point in stairss that are the same for all persons. Vygotsky theorized the first measure in rational development is larning that action and sounds have intending. Second, that measure in cognitive development was practising the new action or sound. And eventually, utilizing the actions and sounds to believe and work out jobs without the aid of others, referred to by Vygotsky as self-regulation.Differences in Cognitive DevelopmentWhile Piaget believed that rational development was extremely personal, and that persons learned from experiences instead than the instruction of constructs and idea procedures, Vygotsky believed that larning development was a societal procedure straight linked to the instruction of information, and that larning proceeded development. Vygotsky theorized that linguistic communication was the key to cognitive development, and acquisition was influenced by the civilization of the per son. He believed that a kid foremost incorporated the address on others into their personal cognition and patterns it, known as private address, and subsequently they used this â€Å" private address † in attempts to work out undertakings. Vygotsky redefined this theory into what we now know as The Zone of Proximal Development. ( ZDP ) defines rational development as the ability to utilize thought to command our ain actions, but first we must get the hang cultural communicating systems, and so utilize these to systems to modulate our idea processes. Children larning with in the ( ZPD ) work on undertakings that they could non finish entirely, but were able to complete with the aid of and competent teacher. These docile minutes demonstrate Vygotsky theory that larning proceeded development, and that concerted acquisition promotes advance larning. His theory defined linguistic communication as a manner to go through on cultural values and that learning linguistic communication was the medium needed to develop cognitive idea procedures.Similarities of the Stages of DevelopmentBoth Piaget and Vygotsky were stage theoretician, intending they both believe that development takes topographic point in discernible phases. Piaget ‘s theory was that development took topographic point in four phases. -The first phase for Piaget ‘s theory was the sensorimotor phase ( from birth – age 2 ) where the kid explores the universe utilizing their 5 senses and motor accomplishments. Children are born with what is described as automatic motor accomplishments, suction, appreciation, ECT. During early development, the kid uses these accomplishments to pull strings the universe and develops strategies from these experiences in a patterned advance toward purposive behaviour approaching the terminal of this phase of development. -Piaget ‘s 2nd phase is Preoperational phase ( 2yrs-7yrs ) He believed that kids in this phase of development would n't hold mastered the ability of more complex mental operations ; kids do non hold the ability to ground through their actions. They are considered egoistic, and presume others agree with their points of position. During this phase kids lack preservation accomplishments ; they do non understand that the sum of something remains the same when the visual aspect has been rearranged. And they have non developed reversible thought or taking a job back to its get downing point. -Developmental phase three is the Concrete Operational Stage ( 7-11 ) In this phase the kid is get downing to accomplish comprehension of abstract constructs. The kid is get downing to understand preservation, position and contrary thought. The kid is capable of systematic ordination and able to group objects consequently. The kid is get downing to multitask in their idea procedures. -And Finally, The Formal Operational phase Age ( 11 to early-adult ) By this phase the individual has accomplished abstract think procedures. They have developed conjectural and deductive logical thinking. They have the ability to conceive of state of affairss and ground best solution rules. They are now capable of meta-cognition or able to believe about thought. Vygotsky ‘s phase theory of development was known as Scaffolding. In Scaffolding, First a wise man starts with supplying the kid with a high degree of support, such as one-on-one direction, leting the kid clip to develop an apprehension of the constructs being presented. Next the wise man starts to scale back the support leting the kid to take on more of the duty of the undertaking. And eventually, when the kid understands the aim of the undertaking the wise man stairss aside leting the kid to execute the undertaking on their ain, showing the comprehension of the cognition set gained.Differences in Stages of DevelopmentPiaget ‘s theory of the phases of development, focal point on development is necessary before larning can take topographic point, and that interaction with one ‘s environment is more of import to development than mentored direction. This position is really age oriented and ridged in its lineation and expatiations of kid development. Where Vygotsky vie ws acquisition as the processor to development. That linguistic communication, civilization and mentoring are all of import facets of the acquisition procedure that will assist the single develop successfully.Similarities in Classroom ApplicationPiaget ‘s and Vygotsky theories have similar applications for the schoolroom scene ; first Piaget wants the teacher must concentrate on the procedure of kid believing seeking to understand how the kid can up with the reply, and non merely the merchandise or solution to the job, deemphasize patterns aimed at doing kids make grownup like determinations, and have the teacher acknowledge the differences in single developmental advancement. Vygotsky ‘s theory in a similar manner, topographic points accent on the kid ‘s thought procedure, with the teacher understanding the kids ‘s single developmental advancement. As a instructor I can utilize these theories to develop category room techniques that focus on the pupils as pe rsons, and I ‘ll seek to understand their degree of development so that I do non coerce the pupil to run into criterions that are non sensible given their province of apprehension and cognitive development.Differences In schoolroom ApplicationPiaget ‘s theory wants the teacher to promote the pupil ‘s into self-initiation and active acquisition activities which take the accent away structured cognition and encourages the pupil to research and construct on current degrees on cognitive cognition. This differs from Vygotsky theory, which advises the instructor to supply planned activities, and promote pupils to take part in planned group activities, which encourage them to larn in construction environments which encourage high degrees of mentored direction. With an option of the two theories, I think I ‘ll lodge to a more Vygotsky signifier of lesson planning. I believe that pupils can make good with manus on actives, yet I believe that if the Instructor does non supply the pupil with construction the pupils do non develop at a rate that allow them to command themselves in a schoolroom scene, and that construction gives the pupil counsel and sets outlooks for the pupils, that give the pupils ends to endeavor for.

Explaining Utilitarianism Essay example - 1057 Words

Explaining Utilitarianism Utilitarianism, in its most basic form is the greatest happiness for the greatest number. Coming from the Latin word, utilis, which means useful. Jeremy Bentham wrote, in one of his books in 1789, that utility is, a property in any object, whereby it tends to produce benefit, advantage, pleasure, good, or happinessà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦orà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ to prevent the happenings of mischief, pain, evil, or unhappiness. It is easy to assume that utilitarianism is based on the fact that if something is useful, then it is moral. However, this is very wrong, the theory is much more complex than this, being involved in decisions, actions and consequences. The theory of Utilitarianism†¦show more content†¦A huge weakness of this theory is that if one were to take the example of ten rapists, raping the same person, it would, according to the Hedonic Calculus, be perfectly alright. This is because the pleasure of the ten rapists would outweigh the pain of the one victim of the rapes. Although this method of moral decision-making is simple, it does require one to predict and assume. We would have to assume the amount of please and happiness that would be experienced, we also have no idea what the consequences of our actions, after the decision has been made would be. Lastly, we need to decide what actually pleasure is. We all each have our own idea of pleasure, and pleasure to one person, maybe pain to another. Also, in taking the example of a dentist extracting a tooth. We may experience pleasure in the long term, by being able to retain our own healthy teeth and preventing other teeth from becoming decayed, but we would have to undergo a great deal of pain to extract the tooth, fill in a tooth and so on. Benthams theory of Utilitarianism came under the act umbrella. 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