Functional Perspective on group Making Theory and Cultural approach to organization - Research Paper Example

The functional perspective on group decision theory claims that a group of people can arrive at important decisions following a simple structural procedure. The procedure is composed of four basic steps. These steps are an analysis of the problem at hand, setting measurable goals, identifying alternatives to achievement of the set goals and evaluating the feedback from these basic steps (Griffin 298).An example of the theory in action is where a board of directors of a company like GM has to come up with a decision to solve logistics problems facing the company.

They have to begin by analyzing the problem they are facing and identifying its causes. There could be various problems and they have to be identified. The next step is to set specific goals that can be measured using various metrics. The board also has to identify some viable alternatives to enable the company achieve the goals they have set. Throughout the process, feedback has to be given on each of the steps and included in the next step to come up with an optimal solution. The theory is quite simplistic failing to take into account various environmental factors that affect the decisions made by the group.

These factors could be internal or external to the group responsible for making the decision. Communication between the group members and with other entities outside of the group has a big role to play. The environment and circumstances surrounding the decision being made also have a great impact that the parties involved will feel. The GM board could face challenges from external environment such as legislations passed by congress on various matters affecting the motor vehicle industry. The company’s internal organization is an internal factor that affects the decisions made.

The cultural approach to organizations was a theory put across by Clifford James Geertz. The theory is based on the main idea of organizations having their own unique cultures. This culture influences the meaning that the individuals pin on various things in their lives. Image, climate and character are the main factors that contribute towards the formation of a company’s corporate culture. The culture takes on an almost human perspective (Griffin 273). The theory mainly advocates for switching from systems approach to corporate culture to a more human approach.

An example of application of the theory is in a bank. The employees of a specific bank have to keep the reputation that the bank is known for. One of the most important things in the industry is the quality of service that clients receive when they are customers of a specific bank. The previous employees of the bank have a tradition that they have set upon which the bank sets up its identity. All subsequent employees have to be educated about these factors and it is made clear to them how important it is that they keep it up.

The quality of service that clients have become used to must be maintained because it is the bank’s competitive edge and a sort of trademark. The theory is quite good when one is seeking to provide a high level approach to the issue of corporate culture. The approach has been the subject of several studies carried out to prove its validity and weight in current world. However, the theory fails to take into consideration the personal values and principles of different people. Following the model proposed by this theory, people are prevented from exercising their own free will and therefore self-development is impossible.

Works citedGriffin, Emory A. A First Look at Communication Theory. Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2006. Print.