Organization Theories - California Lutheran University - Essay Example

Cal Lutheran University believes that individuals who are strong in character, confidence,  and judgment are able to meet global standards of work (California Lutheran University, 2012). This essay looks at some of the applications of the organization theory that are evident in the Cal Lutheran University.

Organization structure

Cal Lutheran University falls under the classification of a complex organization. This is because the management of the organization is beyond the ability of a single individual. Complex organizations are those whose management is beyond the ability of a single administrator because of their diverse structures. A review of the structure of the organization reveals some characteristics of Weber’s bureaucratic classical organization theory. Weber believed in the identification of work and the division of work into subdivisions. Each subdivision comes with an expected level of performance among all employees and managers who are involved. A manager or an employee in each subdivision has distinct roles and responsibilities that the organization is supposed to define clearly.

The hierarchical structure of authority in Cal Lutheran University is such that all members of the administration are aware of their roles and responsibilities.   The top management comprises the president who coordinates all activities in the university.  The president cannot be able to control the whole university single-handedly calling for the need for division of work and specialization. The administrative branch of the authority of Cal Lutheran University is such that there are different departments that are under the authority of independent administrators. The vice presidents are responsible for tasks such as enrollment of new students, student affairs, administration, finance, and advancement of the university among others (California Lutheran University, 2012).

Cal Lutheran University has the academic branch of authority that comprises of different schools and faculties, which are under the management of different deans. For instance, there is a dean who heads the College of Arts and Sciences as well as the chair of the Faculty. Therefore, the structure of authority in Cal Lutheran University displays the characteristics of Weber’s bureaucratic organization theory. The university has divided its management responsibilities into distinct categories that are under the responsibility of a manager. The managers are aware of their roles and responsibilities, which is one of the propositions of Weber’s theory.

Human resources in Cal Lutheran University

Human relations theories define the relationship between employees, stakeholders, and management. Most of these theories suggest that successful organizations are those that value their employees by considering their pleas and motivating them. Taylor’s theory suggests that successful organizations are those that take care of the welfare of all their employees, stakeholders, and society. McGregor's theory of Y helps in explaining the expected relationship between senior management and the subordinate staff. The relationship should be in such a way that each party is not afraid of the other, which facilitates cooperation among members of the organization (Tompkins, 2010).

Cal Lutheran University has employees as well as stakeholders. The stakeholders are individuals or parties that get services from the university or those who supply the university with logistical help. The division of authority in Cal Lutheran University provides students and employees the opportunity of voicing their complaints and suggestions concerning issues in the organization (California Lutheran University, 2012). Therefore, the structure of authority helps in strengthening the relationship between students and the administration, which is the major argument of McGregory's theory of Y. Merit is the sufficient condition for entry into the university. Cal Lutheran hires qualified staff and personnel that help it to achieve its objectives and mission. The university attends to the needs of students through the department of student affairs. This makes enhances the adoption and implementation of policies that consider the needs of students. Taylor’s theory calls for the need to involve stakeholders and employees in the affairs of the organization.

The environment of Cal Lutheran University under the systems theory

Systems theory represents the principles and procedures that explain how organizations relate to the environment of operation. The environment includes the groups that are affected by the activities of the organization in one way or the other (Tompkins,  2010). Cal Lutheran University recognizes the importance of relating well with the environment, which improves its operational efficiency. The university has helped to make education affordable for all members of society through the introduction of bursaries and financial aids. This ensures that children of the poor members of society have access to education, which reduces poverty. Education in society minimizes vices such as insecurity that may affect the operations of the university.

Organization theory is a recipe for the success of different organizations in different fields. Organizations that apply organization theories are able to improve efficiency and overall productivity (Adair, 2006). Cal Lutheran University is one of the organizations that use organization theories in their operations. The essay has looked at some of the applications of the propositions of different organization theories at the university. The university has divided all its management and authority into distinct subdivisions with expected performance levels. In addition, the university attends to the diverse needs of students by maintaining channels of contact. It also contributes to the well-being of the environment that surrounds it, which is among the propositions of systems theory. Therefore, Cal Lutheran university represents organizations that apply organization theories extensively.