2.) How does OD differ from a single-change technique such as management training?
Answer: OD represents a systems approach that is concerned with the interrelationship of various divisions, departments, groups, and individuals as interdependent subsystems of the total organization. A single technique such as management training is aimed at changing individual behavior, whereas OD is focused on the larger goal of developing an organization-wide improvement in managerial style. OD uses many different techniques and no single technique represents the OD discipline.
5.) Explain three basic responses an individual may have to socialization.
Socialization is the process that adapts employees to the organization’s culture. An individual may respond to the socialization in three basic ways. The notion of socialization has been primarily a result of the inequality that exist within the capital system, as a result of the relationship present between the capitalist and the workers strata of the society. Though the response of capitalism to socialization has traditionally been harsh claiming it to be against the right of ownership for which the capitalist system stands for, the response have been changing in its magnitude from time to time. In today’s world where we are witnessing such acute difference in the wealth distribution in different parts of the world. Individuals may be worried about how they’re going to interact with their co-workers. An individual may feel intimiated about the manager
Chapter 2
3.) Contrast the differences between a stable and a hyper turbulent environment?
Stable environment: Characterized by unchanging basic products and services, static level of competition, low level of technological innovation, formalized and centralized structure, and slow, steady rate of growth
Hyper turbulent environment: Characterized by rapidly changing product lines, increasing and changing set of competitors, rapid and continual technological innovation, and rapid market growth
5.) Explain a sociotechnical system and its 5 components.
A sociotechnical system is the term usually given to any instantiation of socio and technical elements engaged in goal directed behavior. Sociotechnical systems are a particular expression of sociotechnical theory, although they are not necessarily one and the same thing. The term sociotechnical system recognizes that organizations have boundaries and that transactions occur within the system (and its sub-systems) and between the wider context and dynamics of the environment. A Sociotechnical System, therefore, often describes a 'thing' (an interlinked, systems based mixture of people, technology and their environment). Five components of sociotechnical system consists of (1.) The goals and values subsystem: Basic mission and vision of the organization. Goals may include profits, growth, or survival and are often taken from the larger environment. (2.) Technical subsystem: include primary functions, activities, and operation, including the techniques, and equipment used to produce the output of the system. (3.) Structural subsystem: the formal design policies and procedures. It is usually sett forth by the organization chart and includes division of work and patterns of authority. (4.) Psychosocial subsystem (culture): This sub system is the network of social relationships and behavioral patterns of members, such as norms, roles and communications. (5.) Managerial subsystem: this system spans the entire organization by direction organizing, and coordinating all activities toward the basic mission. The managerial function is important in integrating the activities of the other subsystems.
Do self-assessment exercise: Chapter 2, OD Practitioner Behavior Profile One in Brown. Do PART A only. We will not be doing the group work steps.
1. Having the ability to communicate in a clear; concise, and persuasive manner very characteristic 2. Being spontaneous- saying and doing things that seem natural on the spur of the moment. Very characteristic 3. Doing things- “by the book” – noticing appropriate rules and procedures and following then somewhat characteristic 4. Being creative- having a lot of unusual original ideas, thinking of new approaches to problems others do not often come up with. very characteristic 5. Being competitive- wanting to win and be the best. Very characteristic 6. Being able to listen to and understand others. Very characteristic 7. Being aware of other peoples moods and feelings very characteristic 8. Being careful in your work- taking pains to make sure everything is “just right” very characteristic 9. Being resourceful in coming up with possible way of dealing with problems. very characteristic 10. Being a leader- having other people look to you for direction; taking over when things are confused very characteristic 11. Having the ability to accept feedback without reacting defensively, becoming hostile, or withdrawing very characteristic 12. Having the ability to deal with conflict manager very characteristic 13. Having written work neat and organized, making plans before starting and a difficult task. Organizing details of work. very characteristic 14. Thinking clearly and logically; attempting to deal with ambiguity, complexity, and confusion in a situation by thoughtful, logical analysis very characteristic 15. Having self-confidence when faced with a challenging situation very characteristic 16. Having the ability to level with others; to give feedback to others somewhat characteristic 17. Doing new and different things; meeting new people; experimenting and trying out new ideas or activities very characteristic 18. Having a high level of aspiration, setting difficult goals somewhat characteristic 19. Analyzing a situation carefully before acting working out a course of action in detail before working on it. Very characteristic 20. Being effective at initiating projects and innovative ideas very characteristic 21. Seeking ideas from others; drawing others into discussion somewhat characteristic 22. Having tendency to seek and close personal relationships, participating in social activities with friends, giving affection and receiving it from others. Somewhat characteristic 23. Being dependable-staying on the job, doing what is expected very characteristic 24. Having the ability to work as a catalyst to stimulate and encourage others to develop their own problems very characteristic 25. Taking responsibility; relying on your own abilities and judgment rather than those of others very characteristic 26. Selling your own ideas effectively somewhat characteristic 27. Being the dominant person, having a strong need to control; or recognition somewhat characteristic 28. Getting deed involved on your work; being extremely committed to idea or work you’re doing very characteristic 29. Having the ability to evaluate possible solutions critically. Very characteristic 30. Having the ability to work in unstructured situations with little or no support, and to continue to work effectively even if faced with lack of cooperation, resistance, or hostility very characteristic
Do weekly summary/reflection (see syllabus)
Environmental turbulence is a condition that will intensify, not abate. Excessively turbulent conditions that threaten to overwhelm adaptive capacity pose serious, but largely unexplored, research and social policy questions. The prospect of hyperturbulence generates an adaptive response by members called partitioning, which attempts to allocate and protect scarce capacity.
Sociotechnical Systems-organization is viewed as an open system which coordinate human and technical activities. The sociotechnical system uses the five approaches Organized around process –not tasks, Flatten the hierarchy, Use of teams to manage everything, Let customers drive performance, and Reward team performance. Sociotechnical system has five sub systems 1.) Goals and values; which focuses on the basic mission and the vision of the organization. 2.) The technical sub stem; which deals with activities; techniques; operations, as well as equipment. 3.) The structure subsystem; focuses on Formal design; policies; procedures; organizational chart; division of work; patterns of authorities. 4.) The psychosocial Subsystem (Culture); Social relationship; behavioral patterns of members; norms; roles; communications. 5.) The Managerial Subsystem; Directing; organizing and coordinating
