Z94.15 - Organization Planning and Theory

The new editors added to the excellent list of terms that previous editors had compiled.  There have been some changes which have been added to the list and in addition, some of the new terms of quality management have been added because of the effect of TQM (Total Quality Management) on organizational structure and culture.

Approximately 60 definitions have been added to the list to bring it more up-to-date and to make it more comprehensive.  Hopefully the more than 50 years experience will contribute to the needs of the users of the terms.

Chairpersons

Dr. Anita L. Callahan, Ph.D.
Dr. Paul E. Givens, Ph.D.

Industrial & Management Systems Department
College of Engineering
University of South Florida

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Bibliography

DEFINITIONS

ADHOCRACY. A structure that is flexible, adaptive, and responsive; organized around unique problems to be solved by groups of relative strangers with diverse professional skills.

ADMINISTRATION. (1) Usually synonymous with the term management. However, it sometimes refers to the portion of management exclusive of establishing goals and policies. (2) That group of people who perform the process of administration.

ATTRIBUTION THEORY. When individuals observe behaviors, they attempt to determine whether it is internally or externally caused.

AUTHORITARIANISM. The belief that here should be status and power differences among people in organizations.

AUTHORITY. The right to exercise power and to extend jurisdiction over others for the attainment of performance. (1) The "legitimate"' right to direct or influence the performance of others under the condition of applying rewards and penalties. Authority lies in the position in an organization, not in the man. This authority derived from institutionalized power should be distinguished from other authority concepts. (2) Authority by subordinate acceptance-authority is a function of the degree to which subordinates accept decisions and direction and is derived from the group of subordinates. (3) Authority of person-authority is derived from superior ability or knowledge or charismatic qualities. (4) Authority by legal decree-authority invested by law to enforce statutes. (See DELEGATION, RESPONSIBILITY.)

AUTOCRATIC LEADER. One who tends to control in an absolute manner through the use of personal domination and application of coercive measures. (Compare to participative management.)

AUTONOMOUS WORK-GROUP DESIGN. The design of work around autonomous work teams to incorporate job rotation and/or job enrichment for a greater sense of task meaningfulness.

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