Organisational Theory Lecture Notes

Flashcards covering key concepts and vocabulary from the lecture notes on organizational theory.

Bureaucracy

A dominant organizational form characterized by a hierarchical structure, specialization, and adherence to strict rules and procedures.

Max Weber

A sociologist known for his theory on bureaucracy, describing it as an ideal type of organization driven by rationality.

Trained incapacity

A term coined by Merton to describe how excessive specialization can lead to inefficacy in handling new or unexpected situations.

Job Enlargement

The horizontal expansion of job tasks to increase variety and reduce monotony, maintaining the same level of responsibility.

Job Enrichment

The vertical expansion of job tasks that includes increase in responsibility, autonomy, and opportunities for personal development.

Isomorphism

The process by which organizations in the same field become increasingly similar over time due to social pressures and norms.

Bounded Rationality

The concept suggesting that decision-makers operate within the constraints of limited information and cognitive capacities.

Single-loop learning

A process in which an organization fixes problems without questioning the underlying assumptions.

Double-loop learning

A process where an organization questions its underlying assumptions, norms, and goals, leading to fundamental changes.

Open System vs Closed System

Open systems interact continuously with their environment, while closed systems operate independently without external influences.