An Environmental Approach

Introduction

The term, environment, has a very broad definition. When we consider the environment we live in, we may think of our home, neighborhood, city, state, or geographical location. When we connect the term, environment, to an organization, it is also considered broadly. We could be referring to the external environment, and considering all of the things going on outside of the organization, both nationally and internationally. Alternatively, we may also consider the internal environment, and what is occurring within the organization.

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Our unit this week will focus on the external environment and discuss how outside factors play major roles in the success of an organization. Take for example, the newspaper industry. At one time, newspapers served as the only outlet to obtain news; however, eventually radio, television, and later, the Internet, rose up, thereby diminishing the reliance on printed news. This is an example of how the external environment impacted major news sources and forced change.

As you complete the readings this week, consider other types of organizations that have been impacted by the external environment and think of the ways that our world has changed because of it.

Objectives

To successfully complete this learning unit, you will be expected to:

1. Analyze the complex dimensions of organizations, including environment, structure, technology, life cycle, decision making, and ethics.

• Readings

Readings

Use your course text, Organization Theory & Design, to complete the following:

1. Read Chapter 4, “The External Environment,” pages 146–181.

2. Read Chapter 6, “Designing Organizations for the International Environment,” pages 216–260.

3. Read Integrative Case Study 1.0, “Developing Global Teams to Meet 21st Century Challenges at W. L. Gore & Associates,” pages 563–573

• u06d1] Unit 6 Discussion 1

Organizational Differentiation and Integration

Resources

1. Discussion Participation Scoring Guide.

After completing the readings for this week:

2. Discuss ways in which the environment affects organizational differentiation and integration.

3. Explain why organizations depend on external resources and how they influence environmental sectors.

4. Discuss reasons why an organization may wish to enter the global arena and provide at least one example of an organization that has done this successfully.

Response Guidelines

Responding posts will be made in Unit 7.

Discussion Participation Scoring Guide

Due Date: Weekly.

Percentage of Course Grade: 30%.

Discussion Participation Grading Rubric.

Criteria Non-performance Basic Proficient Distinguished

Applies relevant course concepts, theories, or materials correctly. Does not explain relevant course concepts, theories, or materials. Explains relevant course concepts, theories, or materials. Applies relevant course concepts, theories, or materials correctly. Analyzes course concepts, theories, or materials correctly, using examples or supporting evidence.

Collaborates with fellow learners, relating the discussion to relevant course concepts. Does not collaborate with fellow learners. Collaborates with fellow learners without relating discussion to the relevant course concepts. Collaborates with fellow learners, relating the discussion to relevant course concepts. Collaborates with fellow learners, relating the discussion to relevant course concepts and extending the dialogue.

Applies relevant professional, personal, or other real-world experiences. Does not contribute professional, personal, or other real-world experiences. Contributes professional, personal, or other real-world experiences, but lacks relevance. Applies relevant professional, personal, or other real-world experiences. Applies relevant professional, personal, or other real-world experiences to extend the dialogue.

Supports position with applicable knowledge. Does not establish relevant position. Establishes relevant position. Supports position with applicable knowledge. Validates position with applicable knowledge.

Participation Guidelines

Actively participate in discussions. To do this you should create a substantive post for each of the discussion topics. Each post should demonstrate your achievement of the participation criteria. In addition, you should also respond to the posts of at least two of your fellow learners for each discussion question-unless the discussion instructions state otherwise. These responses to other learners should also be substantive posts that contribute to the conversation by asking questions, respectfully debating positions, and presenting supporting information relevant to the topic. Also, respond to any follow-up questions the instructor directs to you in the discussion area.

To allow other learners time to respond, you are encouraged to post your initial responses in the discussion area by midweek. Comment to other learners’ posts are due by Sunday at 11:59 p.m. (Central time zone).