Learning Objectives

[1] Describe the four characteristics common to all organizations.

[2] Explain the difference between closed and open systems, and contrast the military/mechanical, biological, and cognitive systems metaphors for organizations.

[3] Describe the four generic organizational effectiveness criteria.

[4] Explain what the contingency approach to organization design involves.

[5] Discuss Burns and Stalker’s findings regarding mechanistic and organic organizations.

[6] Describe new-style and old-style organizations, and list three keys to managing geographically dispersed employees in virtual organizations.