Modernism and Symbolic Interpretivism - Coursework Example

ORGANIZATIONAL THEORY Name Course Institution Date Introduction The study of organization theory provides a platform where one is able to understand the structure and functioning of organizations. The study focuses upon all facets that are involved in defining an organization. How the social functions in an organization work together to ensure its key activities are undertaken appropriately is explained in organization theory. In analyzing organization culture and practices in 21st century, the issue of technology is indeed an imperative. The growth in size and functional unit is majorly determined by the influence of technology. To be specific, the influence of technology to the quality of education in institutions of higher learning is indeed very much. In this report, I evaluate two main perspectives to the approach of organization theory in understanding the breadth of technology in institutions of higher learning. One of the common perspectives to be evaluated is modernism. This perspective emphasizes the power and abilities of human beings in terms of recreating their habitation. Moreover, it touches on creating a new and improved environment through scientific knowledge and technology. Another perspective that shall be used as a tool to understanding the issue of technology in universities is the symbolic interpretivism. Symbolic interpretivism explains how organizations are created differently by different people in it as they interact with one another. The subjective nature of this theory explains why what is referred to as the reality is a function of time and place. Modernism One of the aims of the philosophy of modernism is replacing the least effective processes and methodologies with the most effective ones. This explains why one of the assumptions is the power that the human beings have in creating a completely new environment that is better than the original state (Volti 2006, pp. 291). The foundations of these perspectives are objectivism and positivism. Basing on objectivism, this perspective is founded upon the understanding that reality may exist without our knowledge. This is to imply that knowledge and values are somehow objective in nature. At the same time, there is an endowment in the mind of human beings that is giving them the ability to discover this knowledge. The craving by human beings to discover various realities in life result in varied inventions. These inventions happen to be drivers of the organizations, societies and nations as well. Another foundational pillar of the philosophy of modernism is positivism. This theory explains the process through which knowledge is gained in any given setup. As the foundation of modernism philosophy, it explains that knowledge is gained through what is conceived as the norm and the existing theory; basically, testing of theory results to acquisition of insights concerning a given concept (Volti 2012, pp. 83). This is the process that leads to acquisition of truth that governs the functioning of various organizations. The positivism approach is a journey of discovery whose end product is to ensure that only reliable channels are used in attaining desired goals. The implication of this is that use of unreliable means lower the level of productivity of many organizations. Therefore, scientific testing is a tool that is used to harness knowledge that is critical for organizational growth. The positivism approach is focused on acquisition of knowledge. The knowledge that is acquired is very important when setting goals of the organizations. The knowledge gained through scientific experimentation is very useful in formulation and attainment of organizational goals in universities. The key to productivity in terms of setting and attaining goals in an organization is efficiency. Efficiency is a factor that sets an organization from others even from the same sector of production (Bryman & Bell 2003, pp. 18). Modernism uses hypothesis testing to discover the difference between a hypothesis and the empirical view of the same idea/ ‘fact’. This is through a process commonly referred to as deductive approach. Having analyzed the meta-theoretical, theoretical and methodological approach to modernism, it is good to explore how technology is viewed through this approach. Modern universities are heavily reliant on technology. The various forms of learning motivated by the need to exemplify quality education have made universities to embrace technology. The Systems Theory lays a platform that explains the need for technology in organizations (Crothers& Green 2008, pp. 131). The main focus of the Systems Theory is to create an organization that is innovative enough to have a cutting edge over other players in the market. The creation of the environment that will promote innovation and discovery, as per the Systems Theory, the end product is either creation of technology or embracing of technology. The foundation upon which modernism idea is built helps us to view technology as a product of scientific testing. From the understanding that knowledge is mind-independent, the process of searching for this knowledge results to technology. Modern universities are therefore seen as the modern hubs where inventions and discoveries are unveiled. There is need to embrace the idea that universities are learning institutions where the most intelligent people are modeled and developed. The willingness by the learning institutions to provide a platform where students can share their ideas has paved way for the current developments in technology. At the same time, the Systems Theory can be used to explain how universities all over the world are using technology to enhance learning and research (Wajcman 2002, pp. 351). The environment that is receptive to creativity and innovation, as postulated by the Systems Theory is what has led to the various innovations. Currently, modern universities are using online learning portals to facilitate distance learning among students. This explains why universities are now offering education programs that cater for different students all over the world. The e-learning programs have made many employees to advance in their education even when continuing with their various jobs. Moreover, the discoveries that have been made in line with computing have made a significant impact on the learning programs in modern universities. For instance, the discovery of laptops and tablets has eased research and report writing in modern universities. The access to information around the globe has been made easier and cheaper because of the availability of laptops and tablets. All these developments are as a result that was laid by the modernism philosophy. This is because the Systems Theory, which is a subset of the modernism theory emphasizes on the kind of environment that allows creativity and innovations. It is based on the understanding that knowledge is separate from the mind and therefore, it must be searched. The process of searching is what has resulted into the various discoveries that have revolutionized modern universities. Symbolic Interpretivism This is another perspective that can be used to understand the effect of technology on modern universities. This particular philosophy is subjective in nature. The idea of symbolic interpretivism is founded on the understanding that knowledge (truth) is relative. That implies that knowledge is influenced by place and time as well as the person creating it. The three aspects have varying impacts on what is considered as knowledge. The social strata play a very critical role in determining the truth, according to this philosophy. The organization is modeled by those who are its main stakeholders. From this philosophy, the achievement of knowledge/truth is defined by the constraints of the realities of the organization (Sue, Alison & John 2003, p. 49). This explains the fact that relativity is the common factor when dealing with acquisition of knowledge. Organizations are therefore very critical in determining the discovery and flow of knowledge. Based on the understanding of the pillars of this philosophy, it is clear that innovation and new discoveries are limited. If the search for knowledge is limited to organization, then realization of technology in organizations may be very minimal. One of the theories that support this philosophy is the Social Constructionism. This theory majors on the role of social groups in discovering knowledge while demeaning the role of human beings in the invention of knowledge. A lot of criticism has been leveled against this theory because it limits the room for logic and reasoning. This approach greatly weakens the growth of mathematical and scientific proofs to various phenomena in life. The approach to reality is skewed and does not provide adequate room where new knowledge can be tested and proven (Bryman & Bell 2003, pp. 14). According to this theory, how people interpret events and symbols is critical to embracing what is known as reality in such social setup. The events of the past are used over and over for referencing in the future. Past experiences are used to define current realities and knowledge. Therefore, the organization becomes a function of the past experiences and happenings. The social function is used relatively to explain realities. The foundational knowledge gained from the metatheoretical viewpoint, it is possible to learn some facts about technology in modern universities. The Social Constructionism theory implies that knowledge in organizations is limited to the people in it as well as the time. Embracing Social Constructionism theory limits the exchange of technology in various universities. Most universities will be reservists when it come s to exploration of technology to achieve superior results. The overreliance on the past with the need to play to the rules within the social structure is against the spirit of creativity and innovation. From the understanding of this theory, technology and any other discovery may not flow well in a social setup. The Social Constructionism theory explains that while the truth may be regarded as absolute in one society, the same truth may not be so in another organization/society. In modern universities, technology is regarded as the main tool for research and development. If universities are to look at technology from the Social Constructionism’s approach, the transfer of knowledge will be impaired. This means that while some will be embracing technology, others will not. While technology will be considered the 21st century learning resource in universities, to some this may be very far away from the truth (Wajcman 2002, pp. 359). With this kind of perspective both the flow and improvements in technology will be hindered in most universities. At the same time, technology has made it easier to share information. The social constructionism theory closes the doors for invention and sharing of information. Many universities will therefore be relying on old methodologies of learning. Maintenance of the status quo acts as the hindrance to technological developments. Therefore, the symbolic interpretivism approach does not support the search of knowledge that finally leads to technological innovations. These findings are important when evaluating the influence of the ideology of objectivism as opposed to subjectivism in search of knowledge. This is the knowledge that is required for all scientific and technological discoveries. Conclusion Indeed technology is a key driver to universities and many other institutions of higher learning. Currently, there is no university in the entire world that can achieve sterling results in terms of the productivity of graduates it produces if it does not embrace technology. The most important fact that makes embracing of technology in modern universities significant is the ease of information access. Technology avails adequate information to the users in a short span of time. Therefore, universities that cannot embrace the developments in technology risk being outdated after some time. This paper has focused on various approaches to acquisition of knowledge which is the main ingredient to creation of technology. The various approaches have provided different viewpoints in terms of seeking the truth/knowledge. The modernism philosophy is an objective theory that clearly lays the foundation for discoveries and innovations. This philosophy provokes people in organizations to search for discoveries that exist besides their minds. People are provoked to explore their minds in attaining higher levels of understanding of certain aspects of the organization. The end result is what has been seen in modern universities and other organizations. This is the use of technology to achieve organizational goals. This has brought a tremendous transformation in modern universities and the state of learning can only become better. With the use of e-learning and other tools, learning in most universities is becoming easier and comprehensive. On the other hand, evaluating technology from the perspective of symbolic interpretivism denotes conformity with the current discoveries within the definitions of a particular organization. This explains why this approach is a hindrance to the use of technology in modern universities. At the end of it, it is good to emphasize that modern universities ought to embrace modern technology to guarantee quality in these institutions. References Bryman, A & Bell, E 2003, Business research methods, Oxford University Press, Oxford, New York, p. 3-30. Crothers, D & Green, M 2008, Organization Theory, Jaico, Delhi, pp. 121-140. Sue C, Alison H & John S 2003, The Emperor's New Clothes: Globalization and e-learning in Higher Education, British Journal of Sociology of Education, 24:1,9-53. Volti, R. 2006, Society and Technological Change, Fifth Edition, Worth, New York, pp. 271-295. Volti, R 2012, An Introduction to the Sociology of Work and Occupations, Sage, Thousand Oaks, pp.77-94. Wajcman, J 2002, Addressing Technological Change: The Challenge to Social Theory, Current Sociology, 50:347, pp.347-362. Read More