Organizations are open systems. It means that what enters or exits the organization, affects it. During OCHANGE, we discussed systems, its characteristics and processes.
A system is the structure of an orderly whole that shows the interrelation of the parts to each other and to the whole itself. As members of the intangible social systems, we have to function effectively and efficiently for the welfare of the system. What we do individually influences the organization one way or another. That is why a system should have the following characteristics:
(1) It is holistic. We should also be concerned with the whole as we are concerned with the parts
(2) It is emergent and dynamic. We should have the capability to change and move on and to continuously evolve and become better.
(3) It is hierarchical. There is a structure, both informal and formal.
(4) It involves inputs – throughput – outputs. What comes, what goes and what happens in between is equally important as the other characteristics.
(5) It will vary depending on its observers. A system is controlled by its stakeholders who always have a say.
To further elaborate on the topic, I will be giving an example. For the first time, a publication will be asking for contributions from outside their organization. Articles, stories, visual works, and a lot more will be asked. Since this is the first time they will publish other people’s work (meaning not belonging in the organization), it will entail a lot of adjustments in terms of their standards and deliberations process. Because of this, the organization may be questioned regarding their credibility and production capacity. People who were part of the organization or those who are evaluating the organization will be voicing out their opinions.
Internally or externally, systems will change and you have to prepare for them. Like I always says, proper preparation promotes perfect performance.
Source: Cummings, T. G., & Worley, C. G. (2009). The Nature of Planned Change. Organization development & change (9 ed., pp. 22-41). Mason, OH: South-Western Cengage Learning.
and class notes
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