In this unit you are introduced the organization as a system. Explain how the open systems model would be valuable in understanding how things work in your organization and for organizational improvement. SAMPLE RESPONSE from a former student: After reading the description of the OS as described in Harrison (2005) I applied the system components to my organization-which is an Army IT Unit-and after reading this chapter, I do have a better understanding of how the OS can apply even to a an Army unit that has no profit margin or stockholders on paper, or we they? I am applying my analysis on the civilian side not the military because the military will do their jobs regardless-and that is the reason we have the freedoms we do. Inputs-we have the same resources mentioned in the book, we have a budget like any other organization and we have to operate within that budget or answer to the American people; we need people who want to work for us, we compete with other IT companies for skilled people who can pay a lot more then we can-so our culture has to be appearing; and legal authorizations-believe or not we are legally restricted to want we can do, but I guess it depends on who is deciphering legal. Outputs-our products and services are meant to be given back to our environment-the country-our collective mission is the protection of the American people. We deal with the basic human outcomes as mentioned; absenteeism, work effort, etc. Technology-we are in the IT business and we have to be good at what we do because our shareholders are the American people Bottom-line; our culture and structure have to be our main stay, in my opinion they are probably the most controllable functions. We will have budget cuts we will have technology problems we will have outside influence-public opinion, political, environmental and even cultural unrest in our countries, but our relationship with our employees, how we recognize them, how we treat them has to be a priority because they could make more money in the private sector. I can see how the OS can be interpreted and used in any organization or business because it breaks it down to common sense functions. Reference: Harrison, M. (2005). Diagnosing organizations, methods, models, and processes (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Respond * Times are displayed in (GMT-07:00) Mountain Time (US & Canada)