Organization Theory and Its Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Organization Theory and Its Analysis - Essay Example In attempting to create a science study of organizations, the major focus has been placed on identifying general behaviours in work place situations and related them to all enterprises, despite their different nature. In particular proponents of this concept have paid little attention to differences among organization, those that are subjected to market forces and those that are not. (Hussey& Hussey, 1997, pp 5-45) The organization theory can determine the organization culture, which in turn determines the success or failure of an organization to achieve its stated mission and objectives. Culture of an organization defines an organization since it a collective beliefs and ideology shared by the employees working in an organization. Kotter (1992, pp 86-99) also clearly defines organizational culture as "the values, beliefs and norms expressed in actual practices and behaviours of the organization's members." To Kotter (1992, pp 86-99), culture is the main motivating force that ensures the success of an organization; culture also determines and represents organizational values. A paradigm offers a conceptual structure for considering and making good judgment about the social world. Burrell and Morgan (1979, pp 1-37), states that "to be located in a particular paradigm is to view the world in a particular way." The importance of paradigms is that they outline the way in which we view the world and at the same time reinforce the view of those around us. Philosophical assumptions and paradigms In organizational research the word paradigm includes three levels. The philosophical, which is fundamental beliefs concerning the world in which we live in, the social level, where guiding principle do exist as to how a social researcher should perform their activities and lastly, the technical level. This includes the processes and techniques ideally accepted when carrying out research. Burrell and Morgan (1979, pp 1-37), points out that at philosophical level, organizational theories differ in five sets of assumptions. These are 1. Subjectivist /objectivist dimension 2. Ontological, 3. Epistemological, 4. Axiological, 5. Methodological assumptions and also assumptions in relation to human nature These assumptions ooze through from top to lower levels and impact the research process. Burrell & Morgan paradigms Over the past two decades Burrell, G has made a several noteworthy contributions in regard to the development of a fundamental organization theory. As pertaining Sociological paradigms and also organizational analysis (co-authored with Morgan G in 1979) Burrell drafted a position for radical "structuralism and humanist" work which has provided legality for viewpoints critical of the "managerialist" direction of many organization theory. However times change, and so do theoretical modes change. "Pandemonium" is Burrell's most recent effort to create a drastic organization theory, in the outline of a "retro-organization theory". (Burrell and Morgan, 1979, pp 1-37) When looking at subjective-objective a dimension that is used to separate radical humanism and interpretive sociology and "radical structuralism and Functionalist sociology" Burrell and Morgan (1979, pp 1-37), outlines four philosophical aspects that distinguish objectivist from subjective studies. These aspects are 1. Ontology 2. Epistemology 3. Human nature 4. Methodology Ontology According to Burrell and