Organization theory concepts - Essay Example

? INTERPRETING MANAGEMENT By Location Introduction The paper puts into consideration various critical concepts concerning organization theory. Each chapter of the book is discussed with the aim to identifying key concepts concerning organization theory as well as difficulties that exists in a bid to understand the various issues in the book. Organization theory is a good concept in organization management because it encompasses various critical theoretical frameworks that should be put into consideration for the sake of sound management practices. The book under review is known as “Organization Theory; Challenges and Perspectives” by John McAuley, Joanne Duberly and Phil Johnson. The various chapters of the book are put into perspective in the subsequent paragraphs. Chapter 1 This is the maiden chapter of the book; the chapter sets the stage for understanding the contents of the book, which delves of organization theory even better. The chapter defines organization theory as the various theoretical frameworks, which acts as guidelines that management of the organization needs to follow in order to attain a good corporate image. The chapter goes ahead to delve on the various relationship that exist between the organization and its stakeholders. McAuley, Duberly and Johnson (2007) say that there are two critical factors, which dictate how the organization relates to various stakeholders. The two critical factors include human activities within the organization and the various management concepts and practices that are inherent in the industry within which the organization operates. The primary goal for the establishment of the organizational theory is to allow managers to function effectively by leading all stakeholders of the organization towards attainment of the strategic goals and objectives of the organization. According to McAuley, Duberly and Johnson (2007), the other critical concept that should be taken into consideration in this chapter is the various philosophical disputes and debates touching on the concept of organization theory. Difficulties The various disputes in this chapter are very complicated judging by the jargons that have been used to discuss the various philosophical disputes. It is in order that simple terms are used so that the readers can fully comprehend the various concepts that are discussed in the chapter. Chapter 2 This chapter delves in describing the modernism, a key social movement within the organization theory. Modernism has great impact on the development of the various organization practices. Modernism avers that all the conflicts within the organization can be managed effectively through the various conflict resolution mechanisms that exist within the organization. Modernism champions for new ways of handling various concepts of the organization. It requires that organization should be managed in a dynamic way and each issue within the organization should be handled uniquely as opposed to having a rigid way of handling every issue within the organization (McAuley, Duberly and Johnson, 2007). Modernism requires that management adopts both a people centered approach and task centered approach in managing the affairs of the organization. According to modernist, an organization is a subsystem with various subsystems which when pieced together forms the organization. McAuley, Duberly and Johnson (2007) aver that for an organization to be run effectively, it is important that there is a clear structure, chain of command, and accountability. As such, it is important that bureaucracy be adopted in order to achieve efficiency within the organization. Besides pursuit of bureaucracy in handling the various issue of the organization, it is important that scientific concepts such as leadership or conflict resolution models be also incorporated. Difficulties It is worth noting that this chapter is exhaustive and various arguments have been well thought and discussed in simple terms for the benefit all readers who might find the chapters of this reading useful. There was no difficulty in understanding any concept in this paper since most of the concepts have been leant in classroom. Chapter 3 This chapter delves in discussing Neo-Modernist Organization Theory. Neo Modernist organization theory is a new concept within the organization theory. The theory asserts that every organization, which wishes to register improved business performance in terms of profitability and revenue, must uphold the wellbeing of all its stakeholders. Each stakeholder is critical to the organization and as such, it is important the management put his or her wellbeing in the forefront. The Neo Modernist theory goes a long way to ensure that the people with the organization are shaped or the shape the organization through their experience at the organization (McAuley, Duberly and Johnson, 2007). The neo Modernism organization theory as discussed in this chapter is quite elaborate and easy to understand. Moreover, it reflects the state of affairs in the real corporate world. Currently corporate organizations are more focused on quality production to satisfy the expectations of the customers. Difficulties There is any apparent difficulty in understanding any concept within this paper because the various discussion are relevant and widely practiced in the corporate world. Chapter 4 This chapter delves on various important concepts within the organization. The chapter delves on the new wave of practices within the twenty-first century. The new wave of leadership champions for strategic human resource management. The major approach to strategic human resource management is integrating business and human resource management strategy. This strategy is commonly referred to vertical strategy. The other approach to strategic human resource management is horizontal integration, which involves making sure that different aspect of strategic human resource such as performance and competiveness fit together and mutually supports the overall organizational goals (McAuley, Duberly and Johnson, 2007). Strategic human resource management is human resource management that addresses the strategic needs of the firm through directing and influencing the human resource towards achievement of these strategic needs. Difficulties Achievement of the strategic needs for the firms implies that the firm is gaining competitive strategy within its industry through performance and attainment of the operational goals as well as the major visions of the firm. This matter is not news because the corporation have now embraced strategic management which ensures that all resources of the organization are geared towards attainment of the strategic needs of the organization. Chapter 5 This chapter dwells into putting into perspective proliferation of the use of the post-prefix in the recent times. The chapter therefore describes post-industrialism, post-Fordism, post-capitalism, post humanism, post-Marxism, and post-feminism. The chapter also describes post-market society, and post-economic society. The issues surrounding the postmodern condition are also discussed. There exist huge relationship between post modernism, post-industrialism, and post Fordism. McAuley, Duberly and Johnson (2007) say that the post-modernism industrial practice goes a long way to ensure that the firm is flexible and able to adapt to any changes in the business environment. The fact that the firm is flexible and able to adapt to changes in the environment goes a long way to ensure that the firm remain relevant in the market and command competitive edge in the market. Difficulties The various post-prefix concepts of the recent times are quite complex and it is important that they are broken down it simple terms with relevant case studies so that readers can understand them better. Chapter 6 The contemporary issue of “postmodernism” has attracted significant level of interest from the various academics in the field of social sciences. Despite the interest in postmodernism, the concept remains complicated and difficult to define. The various attributes of postmodernism are contradictory and conflicting hence making it hard to grab the various concepts. McAuley, Duberly and Johnson (2007) assert that owing to the new concept of the postmodernism, it is critical that the various organizations create capacity to deal with the various issues that are tandem with the postmodernism. The chapter discusses at length the various postmodern theories and philosophies. By learners understanding the various philosophies and theories, they will be in a position to understand the new face of the organization. The apparent difficulty that comes with this chapter is the issue of complex language that has been used by postmodernism. Difficulties Postmodernism is so broad and there is no single concept which seems to relate to each other. What is apparent is the fact that there is variety of perspective with each describing unique concept that emphasizes on ambivalence and indeterminacy. Chapter 7 Chapter 7 talks about reflective organization theory through discussing various symbols, meanings, and their interpretations. The chapter tries to give meaning to the various complex concepts that the organization is always confronted with on daily basis. Two key issues within the contemporary organization theory determine the development of understanding of the various key concepts within the organization. The first issue is concerned with the ways in which individual within the organization make meaning of the various symbols and complex matters inherent within the contemporary organizational culture. McAuley, Duberly and Johnson (2007) aver that the various complex symbols should be interpreted with interpretive theories. The other key issues are that the members of the organization can find profound value in reflection concerning the deeper issues of the organization life. The development of the reflective life in organization is the best solution to the various issues that exists within the organization. Difficulties This chapter is simple and easy to understand because the key issues have been broken down to simple terms. Chapter 8 Chapter 8 delves on the reflexive organization theory through illuminating the critical theory and psychoanalysis. The primary goal of this chapter is to develop a deeper understanding of the reflexive approaches to organization. According to McAuley, Duberly and Johnson (2007), reflexive approach to organization is a great idea because it allows the stakeholders to have deeper meaning around the various concepts of organization life. The success in organization life is hence determined by the ability to have power and control besides having sound communication strategies in place to ensure that there is no conflict within the organization. Difficulties Reflexive organization theory therefore ensures that the expectations of the various stakeholders are fulfilled both emotionally and intellectually. The chapter is well defined and exhaustive hence no difficulties in understanding the issues raised. Chapter 9 The chapter talks about the evolution of management as reflected through the modernist organization theory. Over the past 100 years, management has become a critical tool that is used to steer management o success. The management of any organization are charged with the noble responsibility of ensuring that the organization achieves all its goals and objectives of the organization. In a bid to achieve the goals of the organization, it is critical that the manager must possess the relevant skills that will enable them to achieve these objectives. Difficulties The various disputes in this chapter are very complicated judging by the jargons that have been used to discuss the various concepts that have characterized the evolution of management. It is in order that simple terms are used so that the readers can fully comprehend the various concepts that are discussed in the chapter. Chapter 10 The chapter talks about the various perspectives and challenges that the organization is grappling with. This chapter highlights the various perspectives illuminated in the various chapters of the organization. The chapter also discusses the various concepts that exist in the contemporary business world. The chapter goes ahead to delve on the various relationship that exist between the organization and its stakeholders. Modernism has great impact on the development of the various organization practices (McAuley, Duberly and Johnson, 2007). Neo Modernist organization theory is a new concept within the organization theory. The theory asserts that every organization, which wishes to register improved business performance in terms Difficulties It is worth noting that this chapter is exhaustive and various arguments have been well thought and discussed in simple terms for the benefit all readers who might find the chapters of this reading useful. Conclusion Despite the few complex terms and concepts in this book, the book is generally informative and recommended to academics or students who needs to get in-depth knowledge on the issues surrounding organization theory. The primary goal for the establishment of the organizational theory is to allow managers to function effectively by leading all stakeholders of the organization towards attainment of the strategic goals and objectives of the organization. Each chapter of the book is discussed with the aim to identifying key concepts concerning organization theory as well as difficulties that exists in a bid to understand the paper. Reference McAuley, J. Duberly, J. and Johnson, P., 2007. Organization Theory: Challenges and Perspectives. New York: Prentice Hall. Read More