Download Program Evaluation: An Introduction (5th Edition) by David Royse

Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Theories for Social Work Practice
Bruce A. Thyer, Catherine N. Dulmus, and Karen M. Sowers, Editors
Chapter 12
Organizational Theory
by John E. Tropman and Emily Nicklett
Organizations provide the framework for the way things work.
In one sense, an organization is some entity or process that has parts and
elements with understandable and regular interaction.
A social organization refers to the minded interaction that characterizes social
structures and the process of developing a structure and culture for that
minded interaction over time.
Social organizations are groups, communities societies, world regions, and the
world itself. Organizations can possess both formal and information
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structures.
Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Theories for Social Work Practice
Bruce A. Thyer, Catherine N. Dulmus, and Karen M. Sowers, Editors
Chapter 12
Organizational Theory
by John E. Tropman and Emily Nicklett
Formal organizations are rationalized, described relations among individuals
and groups that specify organizational positions, roles and processes, and
their interconnections over time and space. They have a structure, which may
be described in an organizational chart. Organizations have a culture that
embodies the organization’s ideas, values, beliefs, norms, and attitudes.
Important early figures in the field of organizational theory include the
sociologists Max Weber and Talcott Parsons, the statistician W. Edwards
Deming, and the psychologist Frederick Taylor. His drive for scientific
management within organizations lead to the development of what is called
“Taylorism,” which is worth looking up on the internet.
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Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Theories for Social Work Practice
Bruce A. Thyer, Catherine N. Dulmus, and Karen M. Sowers, Editors
Chapter 12
Organizational Theory
by John E. Tropman and Emily Nicklett
Core Theoretical Principles
Organizations Are Social Institutions
Organizations Have a Structure
Organizations Have Formal and Informal Systems
Organizations Have a Culture
Organizations Have a Life Cycle
Organizations Require Leadership and Management
Organizations Are of Different Focal Types
Organizations Sometimes Produce the Opposite of Their Intended Goal
Organizations Are Central to Meaning Making for Citizens in Industrial
Societies
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Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Theories for Social Work Practice
Bruce A. Thyer, Catherine N. Dulmus, and Karen M. Sowers, Editors
Chapter 12
Organizational Theory
by John E. Tropman and Emily Nicklett
Social workers have contributed to organizational theory by studying ways to
promote positive organizations, and by examining the attributes of sick ones.
Many social work agencies are sick or depressive, characterized by constant
weeping and wailing about the lack of resources, the lack of appreciation, and
the fact that they are always in peril.
Contemporary organizational theory is informed by principles from
anthropology, economics, political science, psychology, and sociology.
Organizations are the usual context for the delivery of social work services, so
organizational theory is of obvious relevance to our field.
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Human Behavior and the Social Environment: Theories for Social Work Practice
Bruce A. Thyer, Catherine N. Dulmus, and Karen M. Sowers, Editors
Chapter 12
Organizational Theory
by John E. Tropman and Emily Nicklett
Assessment can be informed by organizational theory through:
Understanding the impact of organizational structure and culture on
individuals.
Assessing a worker’s personal fit within an organization
Assessing the attributes of human service organizations themselves
Intervention based on organizational theory may involve:
Executive Coaching
Promoting Effective Organizational Change
Providing Education and Training for Managers and Workers
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