Organization Theories - Term Paper Example

? Organization Theories s Executive summary Organization theory is a term that encompasses the study of the behavior of organizations, which aims at establishing ways and methods of dealing with organizational problems and maximizing productivity. It deals with issues from the environment of an organization to its performance among other factors (Farazmand, 2002). This paper looks at how organizations can use the theories by using the example of DOL (The United States Department of Labor. The paper will explain how the organization applies different theories that are part of the complex organizational theory. The paper will focus on how the organization displays all the perspectives of the theory from the classical perspective to the neo-classical perspective. DOL’s characteristics will also be a main area of interest in the paper. Introduction and background of the organization The United States Department of Labor is a large global organization that is one of the departments of the cabinet in the United States. The organization falls under the classification of a complex organization. A complex organization is one which requires strong management bases, and that is beyond the management of a single individual. The mission statement of the organizations summarizes the main functions of the organization. The main functions of the organization are to maintain occupational safety, wage limits, standards of working hours, insurance benefit for the unemployed, and various employment statistics (United States Department of Labor, 2012). Therefore, it is clear that the main concern of DOL is creating an enabling environment that helps in improving the performance and productivity of the employees (United Sates Department of Labor, 2012). The United States Secretary of Labor occupies the highest rank in the hierarchical structure of DOL. DOL classifies its workers by assigning them some codes that are alphabetically arranged. Workers have different codes depending on the rank they occupy in the organization (United Sates Department of Labor, 2012). The hierarchical structure in DOL is such that each member becomes aware of his or her duties and responsibilities, and the expected level of performance. However, a critical analysis of the organization will reveal other authoritative hierarchies other than the main hierarchy. Management practices of the organization DOL capitalizes on the impacts of enhancing efficiency of operations in production. Improved efficiency in production leads to the overall success of an organization in the given field. Thus, the organization uses the model of the scientific management theory as a guide towards increasing its overall performance. Taylor’s scientific management theory suggests that efficiency and production should be the key values of any organization. Taylor argues that if an organization defines tasks and operations well and provides incentives to its workers, then the organization is destined to be successful in its operations. DOL exhibits the characteristics of Taylor’s model because its main objective is to establish a platform that looks at the welfare of all workers within and outside the United States. The organization uses cost-effective methods of ensuring that her members are conversant with the current trends in the world and enlightens them for available job opportunities that may arise in the market. It also has training facilities for the employees that help them in adapting to emerging issues and demand. These are among the factors that Taylor refers to as incentives of increasing performance and efficiency. DOL makes sure that all its operations and procedures rhyme across all its members and stakeholders. This is possible due to availability and strength of the available channel of communication between the management and employees. Employees are also part of the major decisions of the organization despite their rank in the hierarchical structure of the organization. This implies that there is a complete and continuous flow of information within the organization that helps in streamlining the activities and operations of DOL. Standardization of tasks and the smooth flow of activities is the main characteristics of an organization under the scientific management theory. Weberian bureaucratic classical organization theory in DOL The corner stone of Weber’s theory is the administrative aspects of an organization. Weber believed in the division of work into specific functions and then assigning each sub-division to a qualified person. The sub-divisions come with a good flow of authority from the top management to other levels of the organization. Managers and leaders should also exercise their authority well and have problem-solving skills that will help in solving the problems of employees. Under this theory, managers and authority in general have the role of motivating employees by creating a feeling in them that they are part of the organization (Tompkins, 2010). The structures of authority in The United States Department of Labor reveal the application of the characteristics and propositions of Weber’s theory. The DOL administrative structure reveals some characteristics of the bureaucratic theory of Weber. The hierarchical structure of authority helps to streamline activities in the organization and hence avoiding time wastage. The department trains its workers and managers to make sure that they meet the current demands. The conflict management course that managers pass through helps them in dealing with disputes that may arise in the organization, which is one of the requirements under Weber’s bureaucratic theory. Weber also advocates the control of all the systems and processes of an organization to make sure that they rhyme with the objectives of the organization. DOL has put in place policies and structures that aim at attending to all the needs of employees and other stakeholders. Application of Human Relations Theory in DOL Human relations theories define the expected level of relationship between employees and management. It suggests that successful organizations are those that involve employees in the day to day operations of the business. Involvement of employees is in terms of their participation in major decisions as well as attending to their diverse needs. DOL applies McGregor Theory of Y in its subordinate-senior relationships. The organization has invested in the creation of an enabling environment that supports the productivity and performance of organizations. This improves innovativeness and creativity, which enhances efficient utilization of capital equipment (Tompkins, 2010). The management in DOL has also invested in creating trust among employees so that it creates an environment where the two parties interact freely without fear. The organization recognizes the contributions of employees towards improved productivity that benefits the organization in general. The United States Department of Labor also applies Follet’s ideas by taking into consideration the welfare of all workers and employees in the United States as well as other countries. Systems theory Systems theory defines the relationship between an organization and the environment under which an organization performs its activities. DOL applies the open system, which involves the complete interaction of the organization with the environment through job creation. Impact of the organization on Excellence The United States Department of Labor main aim is to improve excellence and service delivery to all workers in the United States. DOL enhances a good relationship between the employees and management. Senior staff relate well with the subordinate staff, which creates an enabling environment where all individuals perform efficiently and effectively. The division of labor and specialization of tasks helps in minimizing the time wasted in unproductive activities. The organization employees engage in activities that center around improving the performance and the efficiency of production (Tompkins, 2010). The hierarchical structure of the organization is one of the characteristics that contribute towards the performance of the organization. The structure ensures free flow of information and power from top to bottom as well as the specialization of tasks. There is no confusion as to the who should perform tasks or who to give orders due to the hierarchical structure of authority and administration. The organization also uses a system creates a healthy relationship between it and the government, society and other organizations. The system creates and added advantage to the organization, which ensures its survival in the competitive environment. DOL helps in minimizing the social vices in the society by minimizing unemployment through job creation. These are some of the characteristics that have ensured the survival of the organization. The success of an organization is a factor of the systems that an organization has put in place to guide its employees in their performance. Lack of coordination of activities between employees and the management leads to a confusion of ideas and challenges the performance of the organization. Lack of adequate communication measures and strategies leads to leakage of information and challenges the process of decision-making in the organization. Failure to involve employees in the activities of the organization reduces their morale and thereby, productivity. An organization must engage in activities and policies that help in motivating employees and foster in them the spirit of productivity (Adair, 2006). Organizations that do not look at the affairs of the employees are bound to fail. The United States Department of Labor measures the level of excellence using strategic management. Strategic management involves tracking the activities of the organization to determine whether they are in line with the set goals and objectives. Conclusion Organization theory is one of the most fundamental references that help organizations in making their daily decisions of operation. These theories outline the way forward for achieving organizational goals and objectives. The United States Department of Labor is one of the organizations that have extensively applied the organizational theories in their operations. However, most of the theories that DOL applies in its daily operations focus on dealing with the needs of employees. DOL strives to enhance a cordial relationship between the management and the employees, which builds their trust and consequently, their performance. The relationship between The United States Department of Labor and the society helps in heightening the trust of the society and the government for the organization, which helps in raising the efficiency of the organization. Therefore, DOL represents the benefits of the application of organization theory. References Adair, J. E. (2006). Leadership and motivation: The fifty-fifty rule and the eight key principles of motivating others. London: Kogan Page. Farazmand, A. (2002). Modern organizations: Theory and practice. Westport, Conn: Praeger. Tompkins, J. (2010). Organization theory and public management. Belmont, Calif: Thomson Wadsworth. United Sates Department of Labor. (2012). Retrieved on February 11th, 2013. Available at Read More