GS 221 Work and Society Dr Haydar Badawi

GS 221 Work and Society Dr. Haydar Badawi Sadig

Modern theory 9: System Theory (John Dunlop) n It is the relationships and interactions between elements which explain the behavior of the whole. n Open system (HP & Honda) n Closed system

System Theory n Components in any system: 1) 2) 3) n n Hierarchy of management Hierarchy of non-management employees and their representatives (usually trade union members) Specialized government agencies concerned with industrial relation. All their agencies exist within the broader environment which includes elements like political, economical, social, technological and legal forces. The three agents interact and negotiate with each other within the influence of this common environment, and in the process determine the rules and positions that

Modern theory 10: Contingency theory n A class of behavioral theory that claims that there is no best way to organize company, or to make decisions. (non-determinist) n An organizational/ leadership/ decision making style that is effective in some situations, may not be successful in other situations. In other words, the optimal organization/ leadership/ decision-making style depends on various internal and external constraints.

Contingency theory n Four important ideas of Contingency Theory are: 1. 2. 3. 4. There is no universal or one best way to manage The design of an organization and its subsystems must 'fit' with the environment Effective organizations not only have a proper 'fit' with the environment but also between its subsystems The needs of an organization are better satisfied when it is properly designed and the management style is appropriate both to the tasks undertaken and the nature of the work group.

Contingency theory

Contingency theory n Their criticism on earlier theories: Weber’s bureaucracy and Taylor’s scientific management had failed because they neglected that management style and organizational structure were influenced by various aspects of the environment: the contingency factors.

n http: //www. viswiki. com/en/Contingency_theor y

Modern theory 11: Action theory n The implication of this theory was that through social interactions people could modify and possibly even transform social meanings, and therefore any explanation of human action has to take into account the meanings. n Pays attention to limitations of rationalbureaucratic model, emphasizing the variability of members’ definition of goals, the way the members manipulate the different kinds of power and the variability of methods members use to achieve organizational goals.

Eye contact Asian avoid eye contact- a greeting gesture United States When saying hello or talking to someone it is impolite to not look directly at the person.

OK signal United States The O. K. signal expresses approval Japan The O. K. signal means that you are asking for money.

Middle finger Korea The middle finger is used to point United States Using your middle finger is very offensive. Used in place of inappropriate language.