Comparison of Mechanistic and Organic Organizations - Assignment Example

The paper "Comparison of Mechanistic and Organic Organizations" is an excellent example of a business assignment. Mechanistic Organization – this is the type of organization that is specialized in breaking down a problem into specific functional tasks. Most stable companies use the mechanistic approach wherein decisions are made by the superiors. There is also a well-defined hierarchy and the communication method in a mechanistic organization is vertical (superior to subordinate and vice versa).

An example of a mechanistic organization is a company like American Airways or Wal-Mart. Each person within the company is assigned tasks wherein his rights, obligations, and technical roles are attached to his job description. Organic Organization – the term "organic" in itself suggest that this type of organization can easily change their structure, the employees' role, and the organizational process in order to adapt to the changing marketplace. Organic organizations can be characterized by flexible, decentralization, broadly-defined jobs, and employee initiative.

A company is an organic organization is the Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing (3M). The company encourages its employees to provide feedback and suggest new products. New teams are formed to meet certain financial requirements at each stage of the development. The emphasis of this type of organization is in problem solving, effectiveness, and creativity. Three tactics in dealing with resistance to change that result in commitment rather than compliance "Awakening" – this is an emotional aspect wherein the status quo is shaken to release the energy necessary for change.

There are two steps involved in this tactic including creating the feeling of urgency and dealing with potential resistance. Envisioning – the emotions that started from the "awakening" can turn positive. Any frustration and fear that results from change can be channeled into an exciting direction. This tactic is highly creative and it must involve the group. Rearchitecturing – this involves the process of redesigning the whole organization. It should focus on creating a practical structure.

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