The Physical structure of Organizations

Brief Review of Organizational Theory

Modernist-Organizing takes place in physical domain. Organizing is done through the five senses. Through these senses modernist will decide how to best shape physical environments.

Symbolic-Interpretive-Associate experiences with particular places. This allows physical structures to evoke meaning. Symbols, Social Relations shaped

Post Modernist-Language is how we organize. Written facts, truth.

The Hawthorne Research

How productivity was affected with and without illumination

Increased illumination caused productivity to increase

Decreased illumination = Decreased Production. Proved untrue

Increased attention caused increase in productivity

Physical Structures

Social status increased productivity Increased social status can be received

from our organizations physical structure

Organizational Theorists

Modernists feel organizing takes place in physical structures (Concrete instead of abstract)

Symbolic Interpretives think experiences shape important structures

Post Modernists think non abstraction is a reason to use built space as shrines, place importance in structures

Elements of physical structures

Geography Layout Landscaping, Design, Decor

Geography

Number of locations Identify locations-satellite offices,

headquarters, warehouses. Map offices

Cost of running business Culture of customers, people Types of people hired-part time, full

time, unemployed, second jobs, retired, students

Layout

Office layout-organizational leaders, operational leaders, accounting,

human resources, call centers How office is furnished How lobby looks Space for employees

Landscaping, Design, Décor

How often grounds are cared for, flowers, trees, bushes (Internal, External)

Symbolic statues, symbolic flags Lighting-internal and external Environmental design Dress and grooming of employees How each building is designed

People Work Down Here!!

Organizations use physical structure and design based on roles we hold Executives located upstairs Call centers are on first floor pushed to

the end of the building Offices allowed only for Directors up Windows allowed executives, leadership.

(Changing)

Modernist Perspective

People will act, conduct business based on shape of physical structure

People can’t walk through walls, doors

More distance between people less interaction, communication

Reporting structures shape communication

Cultural, responsibilities shape communication

Symbolic Interpretive

Interactions shape our building Experiences shape our buildings “We shape our buildings and

afterward our buildings shape us” Winston Churchill

Championship banners Nostalgic achievements

Post Modernist

Use built space to refer organizational context of meaning

Henri Lefebvre-space allocated by the powerful to maintain superiority

Example of how Henry Ford used the production line to show power over employees

Symbolic Conditioning

Which symbolic conditioning exists in your organization?Past-Go to the branch to get serviceSend a request to get TripTikPresent-Call our customer interactive centers for serviceUse the Internet to get TripTik’s, quotesFuture-Collaboration?

Conclusion

Physical structure shapes our status and identity

Physical structures shape our location, divisions, communication, things experienced

How do our customers view physical structure and organization