Writer’s choice THE ORGANIZATION I AM WANT TO WRITE ON IS APPLE

– Karl Weick (Iyar, 2007, p. 21.)

Bolman and Deal’s (2017) structural frame focuses on the structure of an organization. There is a well-known saying among architects that “form follows function.” In other words, a building should be designed for its purpose or intention. However, function can sometimes follow form. A structure of an organization can influence the behavior and the work of those within simply by the form it takes. Unfortunately, some leaders and managers do not realize this and put structures, policies, and procedures in place that provide barriers that stand in the way of goals and ultimately prevent the organization from effectively fulfilling its mission. Workers must expend energy on working around the barriers that the structure creates rather than being able to focus on achieving results within an optimal setting.

Langenberg and Wesseling (2016) analyze Weick’s statement that “organizations cannot be imagined as an architectural design, static, and prescriptive, but should be described as a jazz improvisation, a flexible mental model.” The authors list a comparison between an architecture and improvisation perspective (see Table 1 on page 224). The table creates a metaphor of structure using architectural design and jazz improvisation. This table will be helpful as you work through structure and restructuring using the frames, sensemaking, and metaphors.

This week, you begin to look at one of the oldest organizational structures—the mechanistic organization. Exploring this model helps you understand the strengths and weaknesses of the “machine metaphor.”

Learning Objectives
This week, you will:

Analyze mechanistic organizations
Analyze strengths and limitations of the machine metaphor
Identify alternative to mechanistic organizations
Analyze organizational structure using metaphors and the frame model
Evaluate structures of organizations
Skills
You will develop the following skills:

Analyze the structure of organizations
Apply theoretical concepts to practical cases
Resources
Readings
Bolman, L. G., & Deal, T. E. (2017). Reframing organizations: Artistry, choice, and leadership (6th ed.). San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Chapter 3, “Getting Organized” (pp. 45-70)
Chapter 4, “Structure and Restructuring” (pp. 71-92)
Chapter 5, “Organizing Groups and Team” (pp. 93-114)
Langenberg, S. & Wesseling, H. (2016). Making sense of Weick’s organising: A philosophical exploration. Philosophy of Management, 15, 221-224. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs40926-016-0040-z

Walden University Online Writing Center. (2013). APA style: Overview. Retrieved from https://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/apa

Media
Laureate Education (Producer). (2014c). The four frames & organizations [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 2 minutes.
Accessible player

Assignment: Organizational Structure

On this week’s Discussion Board and in the week’s readings, you explored the characteristics of a mechanistic organization, how business thinking evolved to this point, and what kinds of dynamics are created by this way of thinking, resulting in a mechanistic organization. To further build our understanding of the structural frame, select an organization you have knowledge about or one that you can obtain knowledge about through a case study, website, etc. This should not be the same organization you will use for your Final Project.

For this Assignment (5–6 pages) you will write a description, conduct an analysis, and evaluate an organization’s structure you are familiar with by applying multiple theories covered in the literature.

Keep in mind the Objectives listed for this week and refer to the Assignment Rubric as guidance for the criteria that will be used to assess your work.

Click here for more information about this Assignment.
HINT: MGMT 8005M: Week 2 Assignment Additional Information
• Provide background information of the organization you selected (e.g., history, type of business, business function).
• Analyze and describe the organization’s structure (only structure, not the other three frames), applying Morgan’s use of metaphors, Bolman and Deal’s use of frames, and other relevant models you have researched that may be relevant.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of the current organizational structure and recommend changes to the structure as needed or justify your recommendation to make no changes to the structure.
• Be sure to provide specific evidence to illustrate and support your statements.
Day 7: Submit Assignment
Note: Include proper APA citations and peer-reviewed references. There should be at least two references from outside sources and at least one of your course materials. The sources must be different from the ones used in the Discussion.

Submission and Grading Information
To submit your completed Assignment for review and grading, do the following:

Please save your Assignment using the naming convention “WK2Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension)” as the name.
Click the Week 2 Assignment Rubric to review the Grading Criteria for the Assignment.
Click the Week 2 Assignment link. You will also be able to “View Rubric” for Grading Criteria from this area.
Next, from the Attach File area, click on the Browse My Computer button. Find the document you saved as “WK2Assgn+last name+first initial.(extension)” and click Open.
If applicable: From the Plagiarism Tools area, click the checkbox for I agree to submit my paper(s) to the Global Reference Database.
Click on the Submit button to complete your submission.
Grading Criteria
To access your rubric:

Week 2 Assignment Rubric

Check Your Assignment Draft for Authenticity
To check your Assignment draft for authenticity:

Submit your Week 2 Assignment draft and review the originality report.

Submit Your Assignment by Day 7
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Week 2 Assignment

Making Connections
This week you experienced one of the oldest and most common mindsets of organizational structures—the mechanistic organization. We touched on its evolution since the 16th century to the present day. On the Discussion Board, we explored the dynamics of the mechanistic organization, its advantages and disadvantages, and possible alternatives. As you leave this week and enter into Week 3, you will still be thinking about structures. You may want to continue your reading on alternative structures as we begin to think about restructuring next week.

Understanding structures of organizations besides for use in the reframing model, can be helpful to you in your job as a manager. You may be asked to lead a structural redesign of your organization, serve on a team guiding the redesign, or be an involved employee providing input on the design. As a consultant, there is a demand by companies for redesigning their organization. It can be a task that is very challenging to the senior leadership team and they often seek outside assistance. As a researcher in academia, there are many avenues for research that could have significance to society. You may want to keep notes on possible research ideas for when it is time to declare a topic for your dissertation.

Rubric Detail

Select Grid View or List View to change the rubric’s layout.

Name: MGMT_8005M_Week2_Assignment_Rubric
Grid View
List View
Superior Criteria Excellent Criteria Satisfactory Criteria Marginal Criteria Unacceptable Criteria
Element 1: Description of Organization
9 (15%)
Student presents a thorough and detailed description of the background information of the organization he/she selected. Several resources and examples support thinking.
8.55 (14.25%)
Student presents a detailed description of the background information of the organization he/she selected. Several resources or examples support thinking. There are one or two minor errors or details missing.
7.65 (12.75%)
Student presents a description with some details of the background information of the organization he/she selected. Some resources or examples support thinking. Some details are missing and/or not fully developed.
6.75 (11.25%)
Student presents cursory or incomplete description with vague or missing details of the organization he/she selected. Few resources or examples support thinking. Most details are missing or lack clarity.
0 (0%)
Does not meet minimal standards.
Element 2: Analysis of the Structural Frame
9 (15%)
Student presents a thorough and detailed analysis of the structural frame of the selected organization. Several resources and examples support thinking.
8.55 (14.25%)
Student presents a detailed analysis of the structural frame of the selected organization. Several resources or examples support thinking. There are one or two minor errors or details missing.
7.65 (12.75%)
Student presents an analysis with some details of the structural frame of the selected organization. Some resources or examples support thinking. Some details are missing and/or not fully developed.
6.75 (11.25%)
Student presents a cursory or incomplete analysis with vague or missing details of the structural frame of the selected organization. Few resources or examples support thinking. Most details are missing or lack clarity.
0 (0%)
Does not meet minimal standards.
Element 3: Evaluation of Organization’s Structure
9 (15%)
Student presents a thorough and detailed evaluation of the organization’s structure by applying multiple theories discussed in the literature. Several resources and examples support thinking.
8.55 (14.25%)
Student presents a detailed evaluation of the organization’s structure by applying multiple theories discussed in the literature. Several resources or examples support thinking. There are one or two minor errors or details missing.
7.65 (12.75%)
Student presents an evaluation with some details of the organization’s structure by applying multiple theories discussed in the literature. Some resources or examples support thinking. Some details are missing and/or not fully developed.
6.75 (11.25%)
Student presents a cursory or incomplete evaluation with vague or missing details of the organization’s structure by applying multiple theories discussed in the literature. Few resources or examples support thinking. Most details are missing or lack clarity.
0 (0%)
Does not meet minimal standards.
Element 4: Scholarly Sources
9 (15%)
Student supports his/her statements with a minimum of two references from outside sources and at least one reference to his/her course materials, and sources must be different from the ones used in the Discussion. Citations are relevant, current, and appropriately formatted.
8.55 (14.25%)
Student supports his/her statements with a minimum of two references from outside sources and at least one reference to his/her course materials, and sources must be different from the ones used in the Discussion. Citations are relevant, current, and appropriately formatted; however one or two statements are missing a citation.
7.65 (12.75%)
Student supports his/her statements with a minimum of two references from outside sources and at least one reference to his/her course materials, and sources must be different from the ones used in the Discussion.
6.75 (11.25%)
Student somewhat supports his/her statements with two references from outside sources and one reference to his/her course materials; however, sources are not different from the ones used in the Discussion and/or student has only two sources and/or there are several statements missing citations and/or citations are not relevant or current.
0 (0%)
Does not meet minimal standards.
Element 5: Critical Thinking
6 (10%)
The submission demonstrates the ability to engage in scholarly thinking and writing. Applies new and original ideas to produce an effective, logical presentation on the selected organization. Recognizes industry-specific and generalized impacts and presents viable solutions. There are no errors related to the analysis or critical thinking exhibited on the assignment.
5.7 (9.5%)
The submission demonstrates the ability to engage in scholarly thinking and writing. Applies new and original ideas to produce an effective, logical presentation on the selected organization. Recognizes industry-specific and generalized impacts and presents viable solutions. However, there are one or two minor errors in the critical thinking exhibited on the assignment.
5.1 (8.5%)
The submission demonstrates higher levels of thinking and writing. Applies somewhat new and original ideas to produce a plausible presentation on the selected organization. Recognizes industry-specific and generalized impacts.
4.5 (7.5%)
The submission does not follow all instructions. Minimally demonstrates scholarly thinking and writing. The submission shows little creative application and is predictable. Minimally recognizes industry-specific and general impacts.
0 (0%)
Does not meet minimal standards.
Element 6: Written Delivery Style & Grammar
9 (15%)
Student consistently follows APA writing style and basic rules of formal English grammar and written essay style. Student communicates in a cohesive, logical style. There are no spelling or grammar errors. Appropriate paraphrasing and summarizing of literature is evident throughout paper.
8.55 (14.25%)
Student consistently follows APA writing style and basic rules of formal English grammar and written essay style. Student communicates in a cohesive, logical style. There are one or two minor errors in spelling or grammar. Appropriate paraphrasing and summarizing of literature is evident throughout paper.
7.65 (12.75%)
Student mostly follows APA writing style and basic rules of formal English grammar and written essay style. Student mostly communicates in a cohesive, logical style. There are some errors in spelling or grammar. Some use of paraphrasing and summarizing of literature is evident in paper.
6.75 (11.25%)
Student does not follow APA writing style and basic rules of formal English grammar and written essay style and/or does not communicate in a cohesive, logical style and/or little if any paraphrasing and summarizing of literature is evident in paper.
0 (0%)
Does not meet minimal standards.
Element 7: Formal and Appropriate Documentation of Evidence, Attribution of Ideas (APA Citations)
9 (15%)
Student demonstrates full adherence to APA style with respect to source attribution, references, heading and subheading logic, table of contents and lists of charts, etc. There are no APA errors. Course template fully adhered to including a title page and reference page.
8.55 (14.25%)
Student demonstrates full adherence to APA style with respect to source attribution, references, heading and subheading logic, table of contents and lists of charts, etc. Course template fully adhered to including a title page and reference page. There are one or two minor errors in APA style or format.
7.65 (12.75%)
Student mostly adheres to APA style with respect to source attribution, references, heading and subheading logic, table of contents and lists of charts, etc. Some errors in APA format and style are evident. Course template used and includes a title page and reference page.
6.75 (11.25%)
Student demonstrates weak and/or inconsistent adherence to APA style with respect to source attribution, references, heading and subheading logic, table of contents and lists of charts, etc. Several errors in APA format and style are evident and/or course template not used or is missing sections.
0 (0%)
Does not meet minimal standards.
Name: MGMT_8005M_Week2_Assignment_Rubric