Dramatically Contrasting Foundations, Essay Example

Two organizational theories of dramatically contrasting foundations are the Bureaucratic and the Open Systems, even as each seems to reflect specific concerns related to its own development.  More exactly, as Bureaucratic Theory predates most others, it was created to provide a system where none was essentially in place.  As Weber realized, and likely prompted by the demands of the Industrial Revolution of the late 1800s, it was necessary to devise a structure to accommodate the new and complex organizations arising (Spector, 2012,  p. 360).  To that end he developed the prescriptive, bureaucratic model, which offers the considerable advantage of pragmatic framework and hierarchy.  The model is formulaic, based upon how delegation of authority relates to span of control, and with each element reliant upon the functioning of the others.  While Bureaucratic Theory provides the advantage of rational processes, however, it lacks the potentials arising from open perspectives and encouraged interaction.

These potentials form the basis of Open Systems Theory, which essentially equates to the organization’s creating its own model as it proceeds. There is, of course, structure here as well; the Open Systems organization comprehends that it must translate activity into results, and increased specialization marks the growing organization employing this model. At the same time, there is an organic component to it absent in the Bureaucratic Theory.  It responds, for example, to changes in the wider environment and inputs this into its systems, just as its framework adheres to the essential goals of the organization.  With such a model, there is the inevitable issue of properly assessing changing circumstances as impacting on the functioning. Open Systems Theory lacks the rigidity providing the Bureaucratic with fixed processes resistant to change, and this is no minor issue; any structural change involves risk.  Nonetheless, and particularly important in environments continually changing due to technology and globalization, the Open Systems model offers the far greater advantage of individual systems as in place based upon the organization’s individual presence.

References

Spector, P. E. (2012). Industrial and Organizational Psychology: Research and Practice (6th ed.).  Hoboken, NJ: Wiley.