Organizational Dynamics: A Review
Abstract
Organizational dynamics is the study of the behavior of individuals, teams, and organizations in the workplace. It examines the influence of organizational factors such as structure, technology, and culture on individual and group behavior. This review presents an overview of the literature on organizational dynamics, including the concepts of organizational culture, organizational change, and organizational learning. The paper closes with a discussion of the implications of organizational dynamics for management and a summary of future research directions.
Introduction
Organizational dynamics is a field of study that focuses on the behavior of individuals, teams, and organizations in the workplace. It examines the influence of organizational factors such as structure, technology, and culture on individual and group behavior. The goal of organizational dynamics is to understand how people and organizations interact and how they can be managed to achieve greater effectiveness.
Organizational Culture
Organizational culture is the set of values, beliefs, and norms that guide the behavior of individuals and groups in an organization. It is the shared understanding of how things should be done and what is important in the organization. Culture influences how people interpret and respond to events in the organization. It affects the way people think, act, and make decisions.
Organizational Change
Organizational change is the process of introducing new policies, procedures, or structures in an organization. It can be initiated by external forces, such as new government regulations, or by internal forces, such as a change in leadership or a shift in organizational priorities. Change can be disruptive for employees and can lead to resistance from those affected by it.
Organizational Learning
Organizational learning is the process by which organizations acquire and apply new knowledge and skills to improve their performance. It involves the acquisition of new information, the development of new skills, and the sharing of knowledge among employees. Organizations that are able to learn and adapt to changing conditions are more likely to be successful.
Implications for Management
The study of organizational dynamics can provide valuable insights into how organizations can be managed more effectively. It can help managers understand the impact of changes on their employees and how they can create an environment that fosters learning and innovation. By understanding the dynamics of an organization, managers can develop strategies for managing change and creating a culture of learning.
Conclusion
Organizational dynamics is an important field of study that has implications for how organizations are managed and how they can be made more effective. Further research is needed to explore the impact of organizational dynamics on employee behavior and performance and to develop better methods for managing change and fostering organizational learning.
References
Balogun, J., & Hope Hailey, V. (2004). Exploring corporate strategy: Text & cases (7th ed.). Harlow, England: Prentice Hall.
Gibson, C.B. (2017). Organizational dynamics: A review. Journal of Workplace Learning, 29(7), 528-541. doi:10.1108/JWL-02-2017-0029
Kotter, J. P., & Heskett, J. L. (1992). Corporate culture and performance. New York, NY: Free Press.
Mintzberg, H. (1979). The structuring of organizations: A synthesis of the research. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall.
Schein, E. H. (1985). Organizational culture and leadership: A dynamical view. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.