Chapter 4: SYSTEMS THEORY

Provides a general analytical framework (perspective) for viewing an organization.

Systems Theory
Synergy Interdependence Interconnections

within the organization between the organization and the environment

Organization as ORGANISM A set of elements standing in inter-relations

Overview

General Theoretical Distinctions Misunderstandings Strengths of Systems Theory Systems Framework General Systems Theory Principles System Characteristics Contingency Theory The Learning Organization

General Theoretical Distinctions

Classical and humanistic theories prescribe organizational behavior, organizational structure or managerial practice (prediction and control). MACHINE
Systems theory provides an analytical framework for viewing an organization in general (description and explanation). ORGANISM

Misunderstandings
Doesnt focus on specific task functions Doesnt directly explore the impact of interpersonal relationships and loyalty on productivity Doesnt provide for detailed focus Changes in environment directly affect the structure and function of the organization.

Strengths

Recognizes . . .

interdependence of personnel impact of environment on organizational structure and function affect of outside stakeholders on the organization

Focuses on environment and how changes can impact the organization Seeks to explain synergy & interdependence Broadens the theoretical lens for viewing organizational behavior.

Systems Framework

Ludwig von Bertalanffy (1968) Offered a more comprehensive view of organizations NOT a theory of management - new way of conceptualizing and studying organizations Four Strengths (promises) M. Scott Poole

Designed to deal with complexity Attempts to do so with precision Takes a holistic view It is a theory of emergents - actions and outcomes at the collective level emerge from the actions and interactions of the individuals that make up the collective

Principles of General Systems Theory

Laws that govern biological open systems can be applied to systems of any form. Open-Systems Theory Principles

Parts that make up the system are interrelated. Health of overall system is contingent on subsystem functioning. Open systems import and export material from and to the environment. Permeable boundaries (materials can pass through) Relative openness (system can regulate permeability) Second Principle of Thermodynamics (ENTROPY)

Entropy must increase to a maximum Negentropy increases growth and a state of survival

Synergy (extra energy causes nonsummativity--whole is greater than sum of parts) Equifinality vs. one best way.

Characteristics of Organizations as Systems

Input-Throughput-Output

Inputs

Maintenance Inputs (energic imports that sustain system) Production Inputs (energic imports which are processed to yield a productive outcome)

Throughput (System parts transform the material or energy) Output (System returns product to the environment) TRANSFORMATION MODEL (input is transformed by system) Positive Feedback - move from status quo Negative Feedback - return to status quo Dynamic Homeostasis - balance of energy exchange Equivocality (uncertainty and ambiguity) Requisite Variety (complex inputs must be addressed with complex processes)

Feedback and Dynamic Homeostasis

Equivocality and Requisite Variety (Karl Weick)

Characteristics of Organizations as Systems

Role of Communication

Communication mechanisms must be in place for the organizational system to exchange relevant information with its environment
Boundary Spanners perform this function! Media Outlets are communication link between system & environment Communication provides for the flow of information among the subsystems

Systems, Subsystems, and Supersystems

Systems are a set of interrelated parts that turn inputs into outputs through processing Subsystems do the processing Supersystems are other systems in environment of which the survival of the focal system is dependent
Production (technical) Subsystems - concerned with throughputs-assembly line Supportive Subsystems - ensure production inputs are available-import raw material Maintenance Subsystems - social relations in the system-HR, training Adaptive Subsystems - monitor the environment and generate responses (PR) Managerial Subsystems - coordinate, adjust, control, and direct subsystems

Five Main Types of Subsystems

Characteristics of Organizations as Systems

Boundaries

The part of the system that separates it from its environment Four Types of Boundaries (Becker, 1997)

Physical Boundary - prevents access (security system) Linguistic Boundary - specialized language (jargon) Systemic Boundary - rules that regulate interaction (titles) Psychological Boundary - restricts communication (stereotypes, prejudices)

The Closed System

Healthy organization is OPEN Do not recognize they are embedded in a relevant environment Overly focused on internal functions and behaviors Do not recognize or implement equifinality Inability to use feedback appropriately CO-DEPENDENT

Characteristics of Organizations as Systems

McMillan & Northern (1995) on Enabling Co-dependency

Asymmetrical communication status of the hierarchy

Levels of authority Fear of Punishment Workaholics Addiction leads to more co-dependency Money and power as distractions Focus on ends instead of means

The socially acceptable addiction

The organizations selective attention

Skilled communication incompetence

Deprived of useful feedback Emotion is masked

First extension of Systems Theory into Management Practice CONTINGENCY THEORY

Contingency Theory

There is no one best way to structure and manage organizations. Structure and management are contingent on the nature of the environment in which the organization is situated. Argues for finding the best communication structure under a given set of environmental circumstances. Management of Innovation - Burns and Stalker (1968)

Two Contingency Theories

Burns and Stalker (1968) Management of Innovation

Organizational systems should vary based on the level of stability in the environment Two different types of management systems
Mechanistic systems - appropriate for stable environment Organic systems - required in changing environments (unstable conditions) Management is the Dependent Variable

Variations in environmental factors lead to management

Lawrence and Lorsch (1969)

Key Issue is environmental uncertainty and information flow Focus on exploring and improving the organizations relationship with the environment Environment is characterized along a certainty-uncertainty continuum

Pragmatic Application of Systems Theory

The Learning Organization

Peter Senges The Fifth Discipline: The Art and Practice of the Learning Organization (1990) An organization that is continually expanding its capacity to create its future Organizational Learning Occurs under Two Conditions

1) When design of organizational action matches the intended outcome 2) When initial mismatch between intentions and outcomes is corrected, resulting in a match

Key attribute of learning organization is increased adaptability Adaptability is increased by advancing from adaptive to generative learning

The Learning Organization

Adaptive (single-loop) Learning

Involves coping with a situation Limited by the scope of current organizational assumptions Occurs when a mismatch between action and outcome is corrected without changing the underlying values of the system that enabled the mismatch.
Moves from COPING to CREATING an improved organizational reality Necessary for eventual survival of the organization

Generative (double-loop) Learning

Both are Central Features of the Model of the Communicative Organization (Chapter 6) Synergy and Nonsummativity are Important

The Learning Organization

Through communication, teams are able to learn more than individuals operating alone.

Critics argue that teams inhibit learning Thoughts?

Leadership is a key element in creating and sustaining a learning organization. Leaders are responsible for promoting an atmosphere conducive to learning CREATIVE TENSION

Represents difference between the vision of where the organization could be and the reality of the current organizational situation.

Impediments to Learning Organization

Complexity of the Environment

Difficult to determine cause and effect Multiple contributing elements in complex environments
Individuals, teams, departments, and subcultures are often at odds Energy is drained by conflect

Internal Conflicts

Organization members must be trained in communication and conflict-negotiation skills

Summary

Systems Theory is NOT a prescriptive management theory Attempts to widen lens through which we examine and understand organizational behavior The Learning Organization

Synergy Nonsummativity Interdependence Equifinality Requisite Variety Emphasizes COMMUNICATION in the Learning Process

Organizations cannot separate from their environment Organizational teams or subsystems cannot operate in isolation

Bottom Line
The same misunderstandings and problems that continue to occur will eventually cause fatal damage to the system.