Entropy impact in other fields besides of engineering - Essay Example

Entropy in Business s 25th April Entropy in Business Entropy is defined by the American Heritage Science Dictionary as randomness or a measure of disorder in a closed system. The definition concludes that a system becomes more disordered when the energy in it becomes evenly distributed and less capable to work. It, therefore, leads to high levels of inefficiency. Business organizations are either bureaucratic or organic in nature. Organic organizations are more open since they invite creativity and innovation while seeking continuous exchange with the surroundings for survival.

Bureaucratic organizations are the opposite of this because they function as a mechanistic and closed system that is subject to entropy (Morgan, 1986).In a clogged thermodynamic system, entropy worsens due to degradation. The physical law of nature states that if entropy is left untouched, it declines steadily. This means that entropy does not perform any good. The adverse effects of entropy are analogous to disorder within a business setting. Like entropy, businesses slowly decline in performance due to degradation.

Deterioration occurs in many aspects of a business environment in all levels. For example; a manufacturing system that is comprised of people, materials and processes that are tailored to deliver finished services and goods to consumers. In order to stay competitive, the final product must have the quality that attracts customers and at the least amount. The emergence of business disorders will halt the quality and competitive price of the final product. A manager should employ management tactics that take the business disorders into account and come up with ways to fight this deterioration (Alcedo, 2011).

Entropy Causing Factors and SolutionsThe following factors should be considered; processes, in a business environment, employees come face to face with the same type of a process on a daily basis. A process is defined as a mix of inputs that generate matching outputs. Continuous process innovation should be carried out to combat process entropy. Such entropy is prevalent in mechanistic organizations that fail to accept easily change. Bureaucratic organizations rely on values and regulations, centralized hierarchy and defined job responsibilities (Mintzberg, 1989).

They also rely on an authority, a clear chain of command and a central decision-making organ. They are repetitive, simple and standardized. Managers should introduce continuous improvement techniques that scrutinize processes and come up with ways of improving them. This is a low-cost approach to improving the processes. Innovations should also be regularly enhanced by re-engineering processes to prevent deterioration.People; good people skills are vital in business. Deterioration of people skills is a typical process especially in our fast technological era.

Managers should ensure people training and retraining as an ongoing process of the job (Alcedo, 2011). People always refer to employees and management, and they should, therefore, have a regular process to fight this entropy. Business disorder (entropy) occurs when management starts to manage people instead of leading them. This type of entropy should be confronted by managers who should be encouraged to control the process and lead employees. Training on proper people skills is a constant occurrence in an organic organization where employees obey the orders and are encouraged to be responsible and innovative.

This prevents employees from becoming rigid on their jobs; this state makes the introduction of changes within the business impossible (Morgan, 1986).Businesses should utilize the organic system of thinking; bureaucratic environments create a foundation for effective operations within an organization. Employees’ functions become so specialized that entropy occur (Mintzberg, 1989). Allowing a continuous exchange of information will help employees to stay innovative, creative and become socially responsible.

Involving the employees on innovative idea forums that impact the organization’s functions prevents entropy.ReferencesAlcedo, J. (2011). Combating Entropy in business. MBA/TM.Mintzberg, H. (1989). Mintzberg on management. New York: Free Press.Morgan, G. (1986). Images of organization. Beverly Hills: Sage Publications.