Discussion Questions for Chapter 17
1. The difference between universal approaches and contingency approaches lies in that a
universal design prescribes the “one best way” to structure the job and others regardless of
factors such as the organization’s external environment while a contingency approach
suggests that organizational efficiency and effectiveness can be achieved in several ways.
2. Organizational technology refers to the mechanical and intellectual processes that
transform inputs into outputs. The organizational environment is everything outside an
organization and includes all elements — people, other organizations, economic factors,
objects, and events — that lie outside the boundaries of the organization. The
technological part of the environment overlaps with organizational technology.
3. Network construction and potential international students. Network construction affect
me as a student in that nowadays we rely heavily on the internet for information and
communication. We need the latest news and research to deal with our major and we
submit our assignments and communicate with our instructors with the help of the internet.
International students affect students in the way of bringing about different culture. With
different custom and values students are able to see more than ob TV.
5. Advantage might be that faculty members have more freedom to manage their work in
their own way, and this is good for innovation. Chances are that they are familiar with their
job and when they have more freedom they might be able to improve efficiency and reduce
cost. The disadvantage is that without proper management from higher level, members
may be less willing to follow the rules and coordinate well.
7.Machine bureaucracy, professional bureaucracy, simple structure and divisionalized
form.