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Assignment Preparation Analysing Org
Assignment Preparation Analysing Org
Perhaps the most daunting aspect of this assignment to you is that of how you
integrate your paradigmatic perspective into your analysis. In class you were
asked to look at the paradigms of Burrell and Morgan. However, if after your
reading, you are more comfortable with other paradigmatic approaches then
please use these. For example, you were given the article by Meyerson and
Martin, who identify three paradigms of culture and change. You could take
one of these paradigms if you were looking at these topics. The text by Mary
Jo Hatch called Organization Theory, assesses literature from 3 other
perspectives the modernist, postmodernist and symbolic interpretivist.
Jackson and Carter in Rethinking Organizational Behaviour have different
perspectives such as the post-structuralist. The important thing to remember
however is that whatever your approach, you need to always maintain this
approach throughout your work . Introduce your paradigm at the beginning
and consistently refer to it throughout your assignment.
Your analysis must use theories, concepts, opinions etc that are appropriate
for your approach. For example, if you are a radical humanist you cannot say
that management theories on how to manage culture, control people are
necessary, relevant and effective. You are anti-management you have to
see organisations as modes of domination, preventing people from reaching
their full potential etc. As interpretivists you are exploring symbol and
meaning trying to understand what is happening and being experienced so
that you can interpret behaviour. As functionalists you fundamentally believe
in the structure of organisations and their necessity, seeking solutions to
problems. As radical structuralists, you dont really like organisations at all
other than as showing further evidence of the dominant discourse of
capitalism!
There is no getting away from it you will have to read the relevant chapter in
Burrell and Morgans text to fully understand the implications of your
paradigm. It is not sufficient to use the slides that have been given to you.
When we talk about analysis, we are talking about the synthesis of theory and
practice. You must underpin your observations and argument at all times with
the relevant theory. But please remember that we do not need huge chunks
of theory, followed by a description of how your organization has this theory,
or fits this theory or uses this theory! You need to pick relevant points out of
the theories in order to critique what is going on. For example, if you are a
functionalist and you are using the theories of Mintzberg, how does what he
has to say - for example about the professional bureaucracy - relate to your
organization? Dont just describe your organization as a professional
bureaucracy! Your tutor will be able to discuss this with you further in future
sessions.
Introduction:
What you are analysing , what is your paradigm, what are the implications of
this in terms of your data collection (objective or subjective) and analysis.
Analysis/critique
Relevant theories and concepts synthesized with practical examples from
your organization to demonstrate understanding and argument.
Conclusions
A summary drawing together your key points