Organizations as Organisms
TUI University
Paul A. Krasulski
Module 2 Case Assignment: Organizations as Organisms
MGT 501: Management and Organizational Behavior
Dr. Peter Haried
7 February 2011
Abstract
This paper will compare the military unit (for discussion purposes, the US Military) and the symphony orchestra noting both similarities and differences and the degree to which applying systems thinking helps one understand both. This paper will structure its comparison as follows: parts one and two, the most important system problems of both the military and the symphony, and how each deals with them; part three, the similarities and differences between the two, vis-à-vis their functions as living systems; and finally, concluding with a short critique of the effectiveness of using a systems approach when attempting to understand unfamiliar organizations, such as the virtual university.
Systems and Systems Thinking
What is a system? What is “systems thinking”? McNamara (2006) defines a system as “…an organized collection of parts (or subsystems) that are highly integrated to accomplish an overall goal. Systems range from simple to complex, open to closed; and they greatly influence how we understand and change organizations. Wade (2005) states that systems thinking focuses on the arrangement and relations of (the) parts and pieces (of a system)… … (to the) whole. Pidwirny (2006) tells us that systems are structured, defined by their parts and processes; that they tend to function in the same way; that functionality of the system depends largely upon the relationships of parts and processes within the structure (read: the ability of parts and process to work well together); and, lastly, that they have a driving force (a stated goal or common purpose, as outlined above). It is this basic focus on systems theory and how it relates to organizations that will drive our discussion.
Part 1: System Problems of the Military Unit
The United States military, as a living system, has
Paul A. Krasulski
Module 2 Case Assignment: Organizations as Organisms
MGT 501: Management and Organizational Behavior
Dr. Peter Haried
7 February 2011
Abstract
This paper will compare the military unit (for discussion purposes, the US Military) and the symphony orchestra noting both similarities and differences and the degree to which applying systems thinking helps one understand both. This paper will structure its comparison as follows: parts one and two, the most important system problems of both the military and the symphony, and how each deals with them; part three, the similarities and differences between the two, vis-à-vis their functions as living systems; and finally, concluding with a short critique of the effectiveness of using a systems approach when attempting to understand unfamiliar organizations, such as the virtual university.
Systems and Systems Thinking
What is a system? What is “systems thinking”? McNamara (2006) defines a system as “…an organized collection of parts (or subsystems) that are highly integrated to accomplish an overall goal. Systems range from simple to complex, open to closed; and they greatly influence how we understand and change organizations. Wade (2005) states that systems thinking focuses on the arrangement and relations of (the) parts and pieces (of a system)… … (to the) whole. Pidwirny (2006) tells us that systems are structured, defined by their parts and processes; that they tend to function in the same way; that functionality of the system depends largely upon the relationships of parts and processes within the structure (read: the ability of parts and process to work well together); and, lastly, that they have a driving force (a stated goal or common purpose, as outlined above). It is this basic focus on systems theory and how it relates to organizations that will drive our discussion.
Part 1: System Problems of the Military Unit
The United States military, as a living system, has
References: Wade, Mike (2005) General Systems Theory (Author not cited) (7 September 2010) System Theory Goodman, Michael / Kemeny, Jennifer / Roberts, Charlotte (2010?) The Language of Systems Thinking: “Links" and "Loops” Flower, J. (1995) The Structure Of Organized Change: A conversation with Kevin Kelly. The Healthcare Forum Journal, vol Walonick, David S. Ph.D. (1993) General Systems Theory. Reference material utilized from http://www.survey-software-solutions.com/walonick/systems-theory.htm Retrieved May 18, 2009, from http://www.soi.org/reading/change/concepts.shtml Roelofs, L Retrieved February 5, 2011, from http://www.soi.org/reading/change/concepts.shtml Lawrence, P., and J. Lorsch. (1967). Organization and Environment. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. Fedorov, G.S. (2001) The Military Unit as Part of the Armed Forces ' Economic System . Military Thought . July [ 2 ]. Wade, Mike (2005) General Systems Theory. York University, CA. Quotation derived from section: Concise description of theory. [ 4 ]. Fedorov, G.S. (2001) The Military Unit as Part of the Armed Forces ' Economic System. Military Thought July. Retrieved May 18, 2010. Quotation derived from page 2. [ 5 ]. Roelofs, L. (N.D.) Organizational Change: Open System Applied. Symphony Orchestra Institute. Retrieved February 5, 2011, from http://www.soi.org/reading/change/concepts.shtml [ 6 ]