Online lecture: The Effects of Organizational Structure

SUMMARY:
Structure

• Collection of interacting parts
• Interactions are governed by rules
• Can be simple or complex
• If complex, can be adaptive or not

Performance

• Performance  = Effectiveness + Efficiency
• Effectivenes
  
  • Expectation is the input
  • Satisfaction is the output
• Efficiency
  
  • Effort is the input
  • Useful Work is the output

• Performance is Contextual
  
  • Examples: Volunteering for additional work, following organizational rules and procedures even when personally inconvenient, assisting and cooperating with coworkers

Context

• The circumstances (facts or conditions) that
  
  • Form the setting.
  • Allow for understanding and assessment.
• The Functional Operating Environment (FOE)
• Performance is assessed in Context
  
  • Userful work
  • Desired Result, Expectation, Satisfaction
• Context can Change.

Change Dynamics (5D’s)

1. Degree
   How much is changing?
2. Drive
   How fast is it changing?
3. Difficulty
   How complex is it?
4. Doubtfulness
   How unclear is the meaning?
5. Divergence
   How different is it from prior experience?

Structure and Dynamics

• Complex structure
  
  • Inhibits flexibility
  • Improves performance

• Simple structure
  
  • Improves flexibility
  • Reduces performance

Which is Best?