Organizational Systems: Representation and Structure
1 – Model System of Representation
A – Model System of Representation: Both the nature and principles governing organizational systems follow a natural system designed by humans.
B – Origin and Evolution of the Institution: The idea comes from a teacher who studied how to meet the needs of others. I plan on looking for teachers and other employees. And so the years turned 50.
C – System: A set of heterogeneous elements that interact with each other, establish subordinate relationships to an order, and achieve goals. Axis: a hospital study group.
D – Heterogeneous Elements: All activities and things in the universe are ordered to meet objectives. Axis: animal, vegetable, etc.
E – Relationships:
* Command Hierarchy: Between authorities and subordinates, based on roles and responsibilities.
* Functional: The performance of the elements, previously established.
* Operating: Methods and procedures used to achieve an objective.
* Communication: Connection between elements.
* Control: Verifies that the above is met.
2 – States and Changes
Forman Balance:
* With respect to whether components are involved and work in harmony to accomplish a purpose.
* With respect to the environment in which it operates, captures, and adapts to the needs of the environment and are sorted into order.
This also refers to evolution:
* Positive: Could be growth, better meeting their purpose, or refinement.
* Negative: A system tends to disappear or regress due to multiple causes.
3 – Flows
Flows are the channels through which all elements circulate, connecting and facilitating the development of systems. Flows can be internal and external:
* Internal Flows: Occur within the system and contribute to its functionality.
There are man-made systems such as:
* Information Flows: Transmit diverse contact between elements of the system. Axis: planning, direction, control, etc.
* Energy Flows: Broadcast channels where different energy sources allow the operation of a system. Axis: kinetic energy, wind, etc.
* Flows of Matter: Exchanged materials involved in the matter. Axis: inputs, outputs, etc.
* External Flows: In open systems such as organizations, they exchange information, energy, materials, etc., with their environment.
This external flow consists of different diagrams:
* Model hierarchical organization
* Model processes: data flow diagram (crossword)
* Model job connection: network diagram
4 – Organization
A) Organization: The simplified graphic representation of the formal structure of an organization.
B) Elements of an Organization
* Rectangles: The location of each rectangle indicates the organizational hierarchy of the office or department.
* Lines:
* Vertical: Hierarchies show the relationship between functions represented by rectangles.
* Horizontal: Represent equal levels and responsibilities.
* Broken: Indicate independent relations, lacking authority within the company. Axis: external consultants to provide professional support.
5 – Forms of Representation
A) Linear or Vertical Representation: The linear representation, including hierarchies such as communication, is made for a direct path, meaning information must be provided according to the hierarchy. The worker asks for permission to retire before their immediate superior, who relays this information, and so on. This type of organization is suitable for small enterprises. As it grows, it is necessary to divide tasks, leading to another type of representation:
* Director
* Manager
* Head
* Foreman
* Operator
6 – Horizontal or Functional Representation
Features where heads exercise their role according to their specific area, without responding as strictly to hierarchical subordination as in the linear model. It is generally used in medium-sized organizations. The criticism is that employees in charge must obey orders given by different heads:
Chief of Marketing Chief of Administration
Staff
Sales Purchasing Employees
7 – Mixed or Functional Line Representation
This representation is used in most businesses because it allows organizational balance and maximizes the benefits of each of the above organizations, eliminating their disadvantages.
Legal Department Production (Sections A and B)
Administration Marketing
Staff Accountant Marketing, Purchasing, and Sales
8 – Circular Representation
The center of the diagram represents the highest authority of the company, and each of the longer lines represents the division of sectors. Each sector has subdivisions that correspond to various headquarters, and so on.