Management
Various theories in management take the view that organisations are in a constant struggle with the environment. This essay will examine three theories in seeking to determine whether this widely held view is demonstrated in these theories. It will examine population ecology theory, systems theory, and contingency theory, firstly defining what each is and then second relating the various theories to the environment.Population ecology takes the view that the environment is dominant, and organisations are in a constant struggle with it. Population ecology builds on Darwin's theory that allows for the variation, selection, retention, and modification of species of organisations. This theory assumes the environment is determining, environmental resources are limited, and competition is inevitable. Charles Darwin's nineteenth century writings have become synonomous with this theory. His writings emphasise the survival of the fittest and the demise of the weaker, with races getting stronger and leaving their weaker elements behind. Because of the fact that resources are 'non-renewable', organisations remain in constant state of struggle both with the environment and with other organisations. Survival is assumed to be the main, all-i
Because of the critical assumption that the environment is determining, population ecology has been described at too deterministic, one sided, and not applicable to certain organisations. Also, different types or 'species' of organisations are needed in different types of environments. Although in relatively stable environments, conventional bureaucratic organisations with defined heirarchy and rules worked well, contingency theory states that in modern times change has become too rapid for these organisations to keep up. A good example of this is typewriter repairers. Thus, under this theory organisations remain in struggles with the environment as they try to maintain an appropriate form. System theory also seeks to analyse an organisation in terms of its internal subsystems. This is evidenced by the move by many large organisations such as Xerox to create small companies and independent work group to quickly adapt to the changing environment. This theory recognises that adhocracy and the simple structure are better equipped to deal with change and act fast. Thus, they will be in a constant struggle with the environment as they are forced to adapt, change, and manage critical areas in organisations. The final aspect seeks to focus on alignments between subsystems and solve possible dysfunctions. Collectively, these aspects of systems theory allow organisations to organise in ways that meet the requirements of the environment. Due to low levels of complexity and high decentralisation, this theory places these organisations as better equipped to cope with the struggles of the environment. It suggests organisations should plan and organise with the environment firmly in mind. It mattered little about the quality of managers or the strategy they employed; the environment was simply too strong.
Common topics in this essay:
Red Cross,
,
Charles Darwin's,
population ecology,
struggle environment,
systems theory,
contingency theory,
constant struggle,
constant struggle environment,
struggles environment,
appropriate form,
organisations struggle environment,
environment organisations,
simple structure,
environment population,
organisations constant struggle,
environment population ecology,
|
Acceptance Essays
