NOTES FOR EXAM 1

What is the definition of an organization according to Etzioni?

Organizations are social units or groupings constructed to reach a specific goal.

What are the main aspects of an organization?

People, Purpose, Structure, Durability.

How does Hall define an organization?

A more structured entity with boundaries, rules, hierarchy, roles, and longevity.

What is an example of an organization?

A class, football team, police department, or Greek life.

What is the purpose of the criminal justice system?

To ensure public safety and justice.

How does the criminal justice system operate structurally?

It operates on a hierarchy with a chain of command akin to military structures.

What challenges do organizations in the criminal justice system face regarding personnel?

Low pay and job stressors that affect retention and employee satisfaction.

What distinguishes closed organizations from open organizations?

Closed organizations are not influenced by external factors, while open organizations are affected by them.

What is the funding source for public organizations?

Primarily from government or taxpayers.

How do for-profit organizations operate?

They exist to generate profits from products or services.

What is the significance of studying organizational structures?

Organizations provide critical services to society and serve as a source of employment.

What is the relationship between structure and organizational effectiveness?

The structure plays a significant role in achieving the organization's mission and strategic goals.

Define centralization in an organization.

The location in the organization where important decisions are made, usually by a single person.

What are strategic goals?

Main priorities that describe an intended future and actions toward achieving that future.

What is the cow theory in organizational behavior?

A happy cow produces more milk, meaning employee satisfaction leads to better productivity.

What is the goal of contingency theory?

To identify the ideal arrangement for an organization's structure based on external factors.

How do organizations maintain uniformity according to formalization?

Through written rules and procedures guiding behavior to produce predictable outcomes.

What does isomorphism refer to in organizational theory?

The tendency of organizations to become similar due to external pressures.

What is resource dependence theory?

Organizations are affected by external resources like budget, public opinion, and crime rates.

How does the definition of a non-profit organization differ from a for-profit organization?

Non-profits exist to fulfill community needs and do not focus on making a profit.

Describe the importance of victim services in the criminal justice system.

Victim services help individuals navigate the court process and provide support after crimes.

Why are open organizations heavily affected by outside factors?

They respond to issues like crime rates, changing community needs, and public opinion.

What does span of control refer to in organizational terms?

The ratio of supervisors to workers, indicating how many subordinates work under one supervisor.

What challenges do highly centralized organizations face?

They may experience employee tension and less effective policies due to lack of subordinate input.

Explain the concept of mutual benefit organizations.

Organizations that advocate for the interests and welfare of their members.

What is the role of administrative management in organizations?

It focuses on the planning and coordination required from managers to achieve objectives.

How does organizational complexity affect operations?

Increased complexity often requires a differentiation of tasks and roles within the organization.

What are the three classical theory perspectives of organizational theory?

Scientific management, bureaucracy, and administrative management.

How do open systems view organizations?

As entities influenced and affected by external factors beyond their control.

What is the definition of public organizations?

Organizations funded primarily by the government or taxpayer money.

What defines a for-profit organization?

An entity established to make a profit, often balancing budget needs.

How do organizations adapt to new crime problems?

They may change their structure and processes based on emerging threats and public feedback.

What impact can public opinion have on the criminal justice system?

Shifts in public opinion can lead to changes in laws, funding, and organizational priorities.

Why is formalization important in organizations?

It ensures consistency in operations and helps achieve organizational goals.

What is meant by horizontal complexity in organizational structures?

The division of roles is based on specialization and geography, leading to distinct units within the organization.

What is a challenge of having a highly formalized organization?

Excessive rules may hinder employees' judgment and adaptability to unique situations.

What does it mean for an organization to have a decentralized structure?

Authority is delegated, allowing staff to make decisions that impact the organization.

What is the purpose of strategic goals within an organization?

To provide clear objectives and guide actions toward achieving the intended future.

What role does employee satisfaction play within organizations?

Higher satisfaction leads to better performance and lower turnover rates.

How can excessive formalization negatively affect organizations?

It may lead to reduced employee morale and excessive reliance on rules over judgment.

What is a key feature of scientific management?

Detailed policies and responsibilities that leave no discretion to workers.

What is the focus of human relations theory?

The needs and motivations of workers, emphasizing that they are motivated by more than just money.

What is the outcome of effective policy formation in organizations?

Policies created through input from both leaders and employees tend to be more effective.

What are the components of the criminal justice system?

Police, Courts, and Corrections.

According to resource dependence theory, what two resources are vital for organizations?

People and money.

What is the relationship between organizational structure and crime prevention?

Understanding structure can inform strategies for reducing crime effectively.

What do the terms coercive, mimetic, and normative refer to in isomorphism?

These are types of pressures that compel organizations to adapt and conform to similarities.

Describe the primary focus of classical organizational theories.

To maximize efficiency and productivity in organizations.

What is the significance of having a diverse set of goals within an organization?

Different goals drive various departments, leading to a cohesive strategy towards overall mission.

Explain the role of leadership in open systems according to contingency theory.

Leaders must guide staff toward goals while considering external pressures and factors.

What is the potential negative of bureaucratic organizations?

They can become inflexible and impede innovation due to strict adherence to rules.

In organizational theory, what does 'organizational culture' refer to?

The shared beliefs, values, and practices within an organization that influence behavior.

Why is understanding external influences important for organizations?

External influences can dictate operational changes, funding, and overall effectiveness.

What is the relationship between job complexity and span of control?

More complex jobs often require a narrower span of control to ensure effective management.

How does decentralization potentially lead to inconsistent decision-making?

When authority is spread, decisions may vary based on individual interpretations and practices.

What is the significance of understanding employee motivations in organizations?

Recognizing what drives employees can lead to enhanced productivity and job satisfaction.

How do bureaucracies typically respond to performance issues?

They may apply more stringent policies and procedures to regulate behavior and output.

What is the benefit of specialization in an organization?

Specialization allows for improved efficiency as individuals focus on tasks suited to their skills.

How can organizational theories guide future practices?

They offer frameworks for understanding performance and identifying areas for improvement.

What role do performance outcomes play in organizational theory?

Performance outcomes are critical for evaluating the effectiveness of organizational structures.

What common challenge do open systems face compared to closed systems?

Open systems must continuously adapt to external changes affecting operations.

How do organizations ensure they remain relevant over time?

By adapting their structures and practices in response to societal and environmental changes.

What is the function of policy in organizational environments?

Policies guide decision-making and establish standards for behavior within the organization.