Instruction
Discussion: Organizational Theory and Structure
Organization theory and organizational behavior are two different and complementary aspects of organizations, one macro and one micro, as addressed in our lesson notes and readings this week. Organization theory is our main topic at this point so that is where we will focus our discussion.
The lesson notes for week 1 describe some of the highlights from the history of modern organization theory (for example, Weber’s bureaucracy, Taylor’s scientific management, McGregor’s Theory X and Y, etc.). These are all based on observations of actual organizations.
Our first question focuses on these historical perspectives specifically. Based on the notes and your assigned readings on Organization Theory and Mechanistic Organizations, what is one of these historical perspectives that you can see today in a highly mechanistic organization design?
Explain in a few sentences, citing the course material that supports your understanding and perhaps including an example, if you have one, from your experience. Remember that your post need not be long.
Hint: Your answer need not encompass all possible perspectives - just one is fine since your colleagues will also reply and draw out different aspects of the question.