Introduction
Organizational analysis is important since it helps in identification of problems that might be affecting the smooth running or the performance of the organization. Organizations are faced with a number of issues that affect them. Some of the problems that they have to deal with are the structural and operational problems.
This paper is an analysis of an organization whereby two problems (structural problems) affecting it are to be solved based on appropriate analytical tools. These tools should be able to provide actionable recommendations from which the organization will have to implement.
Organization Size, Life Cycle, and Decline
One of the major problems that the organizations face is based on its size, as well as its life cycle. As the organization grows, managing it becomes a tedious task. Growth of the organization becomes a huge challenge to the managers and employees.
An organization cannot afford to be static especially in the current economic environment that is highly dynamic. Therefore, growth is inevitable. As the organization grows, it calls for the imple4mentation of complex systems and procedures. Further, bureaucracy in such organizations becomes quite complex.
This presents a problem that has to be solved by the management. It is imperative to note that the size of the organization has an influence on its design, as well as goal achievement. It also influences the life cycle of the organization. CultureWorks ESL has to deal with these problems following its increase in size.
The growth in size was due to its alliance with Carleton University. The management needs to implement complex systems, which can easily handle the size of the resultant organization. It has to increase the number of employees and restructure its current structure in order to address the issues associated with the increase in size appropriately.
Therefore, the organization should deal with the problem before it affects its performance. It should assess the various theories available that address the issue of organizational size and life cycle. Some of the theories that the organization can look forward to include the bureaucracy theory.
This theory was developed by a German philosopher and economist known as Max Weber. Under this theory, CultureWorks ESL organization should set the rules and standard procedures that will guide its employees. Different rules are applicable for different organizations.
The rules are set based on the organizational size. A large organization has many employees who need to be guided by rules that are different from those that will guide employees of a small organization.
In addition, the organization should set standard procedures. This will be important in that it will help the employees serve customers in a speedy manner. The procedures will also aid in helping employees execute their duties on a timely basis.
The bureaucracy theory also addresses the hierarchy of the organization. A substantial hierarchical structure is needed for proper and effective communication. Communication is very essential in an organization.
Following its increase in size, CultureWorks ESL should adjust its hierarchical structure to enhance communication. The model of communication could be vertical whereby communication will be from the top managers down to the lower managers.
It can also be horizontal communication whereby information will be communicated between individuals within a department, or from department to the department within the organization. The vertical hierarchy is favorable for a large organization and thus CultureWorks ESL should embrace this form of communication.
A structure that favor promotions of employees should also be developed. Promotions motivate employees and thus the structure of an organization should address this issue. A large organization has many employees and promotions become a challenge to those involved.
The organization should develop a structure whereby employee turnover is kept low, and employees should be rewarded constantly for their performances through promotions.
Innovation and Change
Innovation is the fuel that drives most organizations to success. Therefore, it is imperative for any organization to be innovative. In addition, the organization needs to be changing constantly since the market environment is also changing constantly.
The need for innovation and change presents managers with a challenge that they should overcome. It is a problem that requires a skilled manager to address it. The organization should execute structural changes to accommodate the change and prevent the extent of the problem, as well as speedy development of a solution.
Cultural change and innovation stir structural change in the organization. The culture of CultureWorks ESL will have to change after it forms an alliance with Carleton University. In addition, the larger organization should be innovative for it to be successful.
Cultural change may involve changes in technology. In this case, the organization should use the ambidextrous approach. Here, innovation could follow organic structure whereby creativity will be from bottom personalities to the top personalities. The lower personalities develop new ideas.
This is followed by mechanistic whereby the implementation of these ideas starts from the top managers down to the junior personnel. The top managers explore the capabilities of employees and then put their ideas into applications.
The structure of the newly formed CultureWorks ESL should encourage innovation and technological changes. The managers can form structures whereby innovation is stimulated by separate creative departments.
Further, venture teams can be formed to aid innovation. In addition, innovation can be led by corporate entrepreneurs who have the ability to come up with new ideas, as well as technical and management ability.
Innovation and cultural change are likely to bring a change in the services and products that the organization produces. Therefore, the organization should come up with a way in which it can use to coordinate the new services and products. In the case of CultureWorks ESL, a horizontal coordination model can be used.
This is likely to enhance delivery of services. This will give the organization a competitive edge over other institutions, which offer similar services. Under this model, all the organizational departments should coordinate in service delivery. They should maintain an effective communication between each other.
The top managers of the organization should coordinate with the middle managers and the lower managers. Furthermore, all managers should coordinate with customers to understand their needs.
They should also coordinate with the environment that surrounds the organization. The organization should adopt to a structure that can facilitate the development following its innovation and changes.
Conclusion
Organizations are faced with constant problems, which they need to solve. Skilled and knowledgeable managers are required to lead the organization in making decisions that will ensure the best solutions for the problems are made. Organizational size highly influences the structure of the organization.
It also causes structural problems to the management. The same happens when innovation and changes are introduced in an organization. Leaders and managers in the organization should have ways to deal with these issues in a timely manner.