Rational Systems of Organizations Essay Example

Rational Systems of Organizations In modern society, the things that we encounter and demand in our everyday lives, such as technology, the internet, trade, stocks, and manufactured products, all contribute to the need for formal organizations. A significant part of our lives is governed by these institutions because we function as their consumers or employees, or in the case of a CEO, who may classify them as business partners or competitors. It must be important to examine the procedures that take place within organizations to determine what types of organizational structures work to improve, stagnate, or suppress the attainment of organizational goals. Rational theorists such as Weber, Taylor, and Fayol, “see organizations as instruments designed to attain specific goals using logical plans, impersonal rules, and a rational division of responsibilities among personnel (Handel 3).” Their idea of organizational structures and procedures seem to be very stringent and objective, focusing only on attaining the goal without consideration of fairness and hospitality towards lower-ranked employees. In opposition to these views, “Natural theories view organizations as more than simply rationally constructed tools to achieve specific goals, but also as social and human systems (Handel 3).” Natural theorists, Dalton and Jackall, who expressed concern towards lower-ranked (staff) employees within organizations, argued against the views of rational theorists because they believe that organizations are better off if they help make their employees feel a sense of community in the workplace, decentralize the power among higher-ranked (line) officials, and promote based on merit and experience. Despite both authors being Natural theorists they also very different views and concerns on formalizing organizational structure.
Opposition Against Rational Theorists Rational theorist, Fayol, “introduced the distinction between line and staff into the study of organizations,