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Organizational Design - Ch. 13
Basic Vocabulary from the Chapter and Slides
25
Business
Undergraduate 4
11/24/2011

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Term
Intergroup Conflict
Definition
The behavior that occurs among organizational groups when participants identify with one group and perceive that other groups may block their group's goal achievement or expectations.
Term
Rational Model
Definition
A model of organization that is an ideal that is not fully achievable in the real world, though managers strive to use rational processes whenever possible. In the rational organization, behavior is not random or accidental. Goals are clear and choices are made in a logical way. When a decision is needed, the goal is defined, alternatives are identified, and the choice with the highest probability of success is selected. The model is also characterized by centralized power and control, extensive information systems, and an efficiency orientation.
Term
Political Model
Definition
A model of organization that is used when differences are great, organization groups have separate interests, goals, and values. Disagreement and conflict are normal, so power and influence are needed to reach decisions. This model particularly describes organizations that strive for democracy and participation in decision making by empowering workers.
Term
Power
Definition
The ability of one person or department in an organization to influence other people to bring about desired outcomes.
Term
Authority
Definition
A force for achieving desired outcomes, but only as described by the formal hierarchy and reporting relationships.
Term
Decision Premises
Definition
The top managers place constraints on decisions made at lower levels by specifying a decision frame of reference and guidelines.
Term
Network Centrality
Definition
Being centrally located in the organization and having access to information and people that are critical to the company's success.
Term
Strategic Contingencies
Definition
Events and activities both inside and outside on organization that are essential for attaining organizational goals.
Term
Power Sources
Definition
Dependency, Financial Resources, Centrality, Nonsubstitutability, Coping with Uncertainty. (see guide)
Term
Domains of Political Activity
Definition
(areas in which politics plays a role) in most organizations are structural change, management succession, and resource allocation.
Term
Tactics for Increasing Power
Definition
1) Enter areas of high uncertainty.
2) Create dependencies.
3) Provide scarce resources.
4) Satisfy strategic contingencies.
Term
Political Tactics for Using Power
Definition
1) Build coalitions and expand networks.
2) Assign loyal people to key positions.
3) Control decision premises.
4) Enhance legitimacy and expertise.
5) Make a direct appeal.
Term
Tactics for Enhancing Collaboration
Definition
1) Create integration devices.
2) Use confrontation and negotiation
3) Schedule intergroup consultation
4) Practice member rotation.
5) Create shared mission and superordinate goals.
Term
Labor-management Teams
Definition
Designed to increase worker participation and provide a cooperative model for solving union-management problems, are increasingly being used.
Term
Confrontation
Definition
Occurs when parties in conflict directly engage one another and try to work out their differences
Term
Negotiation
Definition
The bargaining process that often occurs during confrontation and that enables the parties to systematically reach a solution.
Term
Collective Bargaining
Definition
The bargaining process usually accomplished through a union and results in an agreement that specifies each party's responsibilities for the next 2 to 3 years with a contract.
Term
Competition
Definition
Rivalry among groups in the pursuit of a common prize, whereas conflict presumes direct interference with goal achievement.
Term
Sources of Intergroup Conflict
Definition
Goal incompatability, differentiation, task interdependence, and limited resources.
Term
Dependency
Definition
A key element underlying relative power. Power is derived from having something someone else wants.
Term
Financial Resources
Definition
Control over resources is an important source of power in organizations. Departments that generate income for an organization have greater power.
Term
Centrality
Definition
Centrality reflect a department's role in the primary activity of an organization. One measure of centrality is the extent to which the work of the department affects the final output of the organization.
Term
Nonsubstitutability
Definition
A department's function cannot be performed by other readily available resources.
Term
Coping with Uncertainty
Definition
Departments that can reduce this uncertainty for the organization will increase their power.
Term
Organizational Politics
Definition
Activities to acquire, develop, and use power and other resources to obtain the preferred outcome when there is uncertainty or disagreement about choices.
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