The Physical Structure Of Organizations
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Transcript of The Physical Structure Of Organizations
The Physical structure of Organizations
Brief Review of Organizational Theory
Modernist-Organizing takes place in physical domain. Organizing is done through the five senses. Through these senses modernist will decide how to best shape physical environments.
Symbolic-Interpretive-Associate experiences with particular places. This allows physical structures to evoke meaning. Symbols, Social Relations shaped
Post Modernist-Language is how we organize. Written facts, truth.
The Hawthorne Research
How productivity was affected with and without illumination
Increased illumination caused productivity to increase
Decreased illumination = Decreased Production. Proved untrue
Increased attention caused increase in productivity
Physical Structures
Social status increased productivity Increased social status can be received
from our organizations physical structure
Organizational Theorists
Modernists feel organizing takes place in physical structures (Concrete instead of abstract)
Symbolic Interpretives think experiences shape important structures
Post Modernists think non abstraction is a reason to use built space as shrines, place importance in structures
Elements of physical structures
Geography Layout Landscaping, Design, Decor
Geography
Number of locations Identify locations-satellite offices,
headquarters, warehouses. Map offices
Cost of running business Culture of customers, people Types of people hired-part time, full
time, unemployed, second jobs, retired, students
Layout
Office layout-organizational leaders, operational leaders, accounting,
human resources, call centers How office is furnished How lobby looks Space for employees
Landscaping, Design, Décor
How often grounds are cared for, flowers, trees, bushes (Internal, External)
Symbolic statues, symbolic flags Lighting-internal and external Environmental design Dress and grooming of employees How each building is designed
People Work Down Here!!
Organizations use physical structure and design based on roles we hold Executives located upstairs Call centers are on first floor pushed to
the end of the building Offices allowed only for Directors up Windows allowed executives, leadership.
(Changing)
Modernist Perspective
People will act, conduct business based on shape of physical structure
People can’t walk through walls, doors
More distance between people less interaction, communication
Reporting structures shape communication
Cultural, responsibilities shape communication
Symbolic Interpretive
Interactions shape our building Experiences shape our buildings “We shape our buildings and
afterward our buildings shape us” Winston Churchill
Championship banners Nostalgic achievements
Post Modernist
Use built space to refer organizational context of meaning
Henri Lefebvre-space allocated by the powerful to maintain superiority
Example of how Henry Ford used the production line to show power over employees
Symbolic Conditioning
Which symbolic conditioning exists in your organization?Past-Go to the branch to get serviceSend a request to get TripTikPresent-Call our customer interactive centers for serviceUse the Internet to get TripTik’s, quotesFuture-Collaboration?
Conclusion
Physical structure shapes our status and identity
Physical structures shape our location, divisions, communication, things experienced
How do our customers view physical structure and organization