Evolutions of Formal Organizations

Over the past century formal organizations have evolved immensely in many different ways. Today there are two basic model types that are used for the structure of an organization and the models are: the conventional bureaucracy and the open-flexible organization model. The conventional bureaucracy has many levels in its chain of command and all individuals must follow the strict rules and regulations that govern this model type. Orders are passed down by individuals with the most authority while information is passed backup the chain of command to superiors in each stage. The open-flexible organization, on the other hand, has fewer levels in its chain of command, and emphasizes that all employees should share ideas, apply creative thoughts, and places responsibility for failures and successes on teams rather than individuals.

There are numerous differences that are clearly recognizable between the organizational strategies that took place a century ago with that of the modern organizations of today. Organizations today give their employees more personal freedom so one can, become more imaginative and creative. In addition, organizations are quick to assign important responsibilities-job tasks to their employees without the constant watch of a supervisor. In return the ability to explore imaginations and apply creative thoughts and ideas to work assignments without prior approval is present. This creates a more relaxed work environment; therefore, alleviating any anxiety.

Modern day organizations have strong desires for their employees to share and apply personal thoughts to work assignments. This creative freedom has proven to be beneficial for many modern companies. Moreover, modern organizations have developed a strategy that involves members of the company to be placed in competitive work groups. The primary objective of these competitive work groups is to create an atmosphere where each team competes to find the best solution to a company's problem. Incentives are usually giving to the team as a result of effectively evaluating and using critical thinking to overcome the obstacles.

Another major change that is developing within modern organization is the hierarchy chain of command is becoming shorter with less authority figures. This has alleviated the amount of responsibility that was placed on one Individual's shoulders, and rather placed the responsibility on the company and its employees. Unlike the original conventional bureaucracy organization that was structured and noted for its ability to accomplish large workloads, the open-flexible organization is far more capable of adapting to change in the global market, and can create new ideas more rapidly as a result of multiple minds working together rather than just one or a few. This greater flexibility has forced many organizations to reconsider using the bureaucracy method in a company and switch to the open-flexible method.

A few current trends that are being used in modern formal organizations are: the use of the open-flexible organization model, which in return will create a work environment that discontinues dehumanization and alienating of individuals. This model will allow members of the organization to be open-minded, and participate and communicate as a team while applying personal thoughts and skills. The Scientific management trend allows scientific facts to be applied to a company for the benefit of producing a more efficient business and higher output of products. Furthermore, this method allows management to observe employees work performance then assign the employee a particular job duty that employee will be more productive with. The overall objectives are to increase revenue, save money, and produce more products. One of the last trends is the mixture of race, and gender throughout the workplace that has permitted companies to receive a broader range of viewpoints of ideas.

There are many changes Micah's organization is going to need to make if the organization is considering becoming more open and flexible. First the company needs to take the individuals with the most experience, those whose job activities are special and detailed, and place these individuals in small work groups as team leaders. The hierarchy should remain defined at first but with an informal approach. This informal approach will alleviate any sense of dominance and intimidation that once existed while increasing the self-worth and equality in the work environment for all employees. New rules and regulations should be created that focus on teams rather than individuals. Assignments and tasks should be assigned to the work groups not individuals. The more individuals are forced to work in groups with others in a competitive manner against other team members, a better chance for a primary relationship to develop over the secondary.

The first article I read discusses the importance and vital role the media and advertisement industry plays for any organization. There are many types of media and advertisement methods that can be used to produce a positive outcome. Many of these methods are being used now, while some are just beginning to flourish. Network TV, radio broadcasting, newspapers, and filmed entertainment are just a few that are currently being used but the internet with its multi-advertising capabilities is considered the trends in the future for formal organizations. (Miller & Washington, 2008).

The second article describes how organizations have directed and targeted advertisement toward the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender community. Statistics show that there are approximately 15 to 30 million individuals throughout the United States that fall under one of these categories, and the yearly household income is equal too, or above the rest of society. Large organizations, such as Ford Motors, Pepsi, and Tostitos have already increased annual revenue immensely (Miller & Washington, 2008).

In the last article a discussion of improving employee performance, training and establishing better communication between all members of the organization was most important. Next was to reduce unnecessary spending and to improve marketing strategies that would enhance the company's and its employees self image (Woodall & Stretton, 2003).

I believe most of these trends will in-fact be used in the future as many large organizations in the United States and around the world have already proven the methods to be effective. The media, a network of information that displays eye-catching commercials is watched and listened too by millions of individuals. The internet, the fastest growing network in the world is used by millions of individuals around the world each day, and displays a web of advertising at an extremely low cost. Virtually anything can be found, sold, and bought on the internet. Targeting different minority groups is another effective means for organizations to implement into future trends. The United States is known as a Nation of many Nations due to its population growing with ethnic diversity. Better communication in the workplace was equally important if not most important as individuals who work together are better equipped to offer creative ideas and strategies for problem-solving.

Micah's organization, like any organization that is striving for perfection and increased revenue, will strategically investigate and use methods or trends that are designed to assist with a company's growth. Most large corporations are always looking to produce more products, and save money by cutting unnecessary spending without affecting the company in a negative manner. As a result of Micah's organization following the conventional bureaucracy style since day one, it is going to be extremely difficult to make a change, and any change made is going to need to be done in small increments. Most companies will only make changes structurally if the company has been going through a financial hardship for quite some time.

References

Miller, Richard., & Washington, K. (2008). Marketing Trends and Forecast. Fortune, p. 28-32, Retrieved November 30, 2008, from EBSCOhost database.

Miller, Richard., & Washington, K. (2008). Gay and Lesbian Media Advertising Marketing Research Handbook. Fortune, p. 149-152, Retrieved November 30, 2008, from EBSCOhost database.

Woodall, K., & Stretton, H. (2003). What will the future hold?: Study reveals opportunities for communicators. Fortune, 18(4). Retrieved November 30, 2008, from Gale PowerSearch database.