Business organizations are integrally organized social entities, formed by a group of individuals working together according to a certain structure and roles, aimed at achieving common goals and satisfying certain needs. Such organizations include a variety of activities and processes that are systematically managed to achieve their set goals.
Organizations vary according to their scope and field of work, and can be commercial, industrial, service, non-profit, government, and others.
Organizations also vary based on their size, ranging from small to large and global. Business organizations include different departments that work together to ensure that goals are achieved and processes run effectively.
Organizations include elements such as organizational structure, corporate culture, internal processes, management, resource planning, strategic direction. Organizations are adapting to changing environmental, economic and social challenges to achieve long-term sustainability and success.
Organizations are entities that bring together people, resources, structures and processes, with the aim of achieving common goals, which are a fundamental factor in the development and progress of societies.
The Concept of Business Organizations
A business organization is an economic unit that includes or consists of two people. More for the purpose of achieving their goals.
The organization obtains its inputs and production elements from the surrounding environment, and then converts them through a set of activities and processes into outputs represented by goods and services and thoughts.
In return for this, the business organization receives profits.
Through the previous definitions of the organization, it becomes clear to us that there are basic concepts and facts about the organization, namely:
- The organization is a social entity consisting of a group of individuals interacting with each other to achieve their goals .
- There is a goal for the organization to strive for; it is the reason for the existence of the organization, and the presence of individuals in it is also to achieve their personal goals .
- There is a set of activities carried out by the organization in order to be able to achieve its goals, the organization consists of a set of integrated and harmonious parts that form an integrated entity to achieve the goals set in advance.
- The organization interacts with the surrounding environment and has boundaries that distinguish it from other organizations, and these boundaries are imaginary that separate the organization from its external environment. " the organization interacts with this environment and affects it and is affected by it
- The rule of official regulation of personnel relations in the organization . As well as the emergence of informal relations in them as a result of social interaction between members of the organization.
The importance and causes of organizations in contemporary societies:
- Organizations have a great influence on aspects of our lives, be it political, social, economic, religious or even our family habits.
- Organizations meet the needs of a lot of people who work for or deal with them. Whether it is through providing job opportunities, promoting personal growth and building social relationships, or even fulfilling one's aspirations and self-realization.
- Organizations are the basic and main units in decision - making, the distribution of resources and the possibilities available to them. She plays an important role in organizing processes and achieving set goals.
- Organizations are efficient and effective, managed according to scientific and practical standards and foundations. Best practices are applied to ensure maximum utilization of available resources.
- Organizations are necessary for the implementation of difficult tasks and work that may be difficult for an individual to do on his own, given the intellectual and physical limitations of the individual.
- Organizations contribute to caring for society and improving its status. Through its activities and contributions, it works to promote sustainable development and improve the quality of life of individuals and society in general.
Organization theory:
Organization theory is defined as the discipline that studies the structure and design of an organization. This theory also refers to the descriptive and field aspects of the system, that is, it shows how organizations are actually built. At the same time, it provides proposals and guidance on how to increase the efficiency of such organizations.
Elements and Components of Organization Theory
1- The environment and the boundaries of the organization: This means that any organization operates in broad and complex environmental conditions. It has limits that distinguish it from other organizations.
The organization is affected by the special environment that surrounds it and the broad external environment such as political, economic, social, cultural and technological matters.
Therefore, the boundaries of the organization are the membrane through which its inputs and outputs pass and maintain harmony between the organization and its surroundings.
2- Adaptation and change: The organization exists in constantly changing environmental conditions, so it must adapt to face such changes. to ensure its survival.
3. Readiness of Information and Options: The organization needs to gather convenient information about its external environment. This includes studying trends and critical choices necessary for its survival.
4. Objectives: An organization serves as a means to utilize its skills and capabilities. It acts as an agent to achieve goals that an individual alone cannot accomplish.
5. Work: The organization's tasks are divided into two categories. Primary activities encompass production, marketing, distribution, and materials management. Secondary tasks include accounting, recruitment, and various service-related activities.
6. Design of the Organization: The organization's design encompasses its structure and operations. This design focuses on aspects like differentiation, integration, and complexities.
7. Size and Complexity: Larger organizations require established powers, writing procedures, policies, and rules to govern their operations. This ensures consistency, harmony, and long-term sustainability.
8- Technology: Technology serves as the tool through which an organization transforms its inputs into desired outputs within its external environment.
9- Culture: Each organization possesses unique characteristics and a distinct culture, encompassing its values, beliefs, and behaviors.
10- Power and Authority: Power represents the influence wielded by individuals within an organization, while authority refers to the formally recognized power structures established within the organization.
Historical overview of the stages of development of organization theory
The stages of development of organization theory will be addressed through the following schools:
1- The classical (traditional) school.
2- Behavioral School (Humanity).
3- School of Systems.
4- The situational school (situational).
Briefly discuss these schools as follows.
Classical School (Traditional School)
The classical school of organization theory emerged during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This school emphasized principles of efficiency, hierarchy, and structure within organizations. Two prominent theorists within this school are Frederick Taylor and Henri Fayol.
Taylor's scientific management focused on optimizing work processes and improving productivity through systematic analysis and standardization. Fayol's administrative theory highlighted the importance of managerial functions such as planning, organizing, coordinating, commanding, and controlling.
The traditional school was founded on four pillars, as manifested in the concepts of division of labor, hierarchy of functions and processes, organizational structure, and the extent of supervision.
The classical school emphasized the formal aspects of organizational relations within the institution. This encompassed key elements such as specialization, the division of labor, rationality, authority, organizational structure, and the scope of supervision.
This theory posited that an organization functions as a semi-closed system. It deals with prevailing human relations and remains relatively unaffected by the external environment. The emphasis was solely on the material aspects of human interaction.
The classical theory encompassed several sub-theories:
- Bureaucratic Theory, pioneered by Max Weber.
- Scientific Management Theory, with one of its primary pioneers being Frederick Taylor.
- Administrative Division Theory, attributed to Henri Fayol Zayed.
Bureaucratic Theory
Bureaucratic theory is a concept in organizational management developed by Max Weber. It emphasizes the formal structure of organizations and the importance of clear rules, hierarchy, and specialization. Some of the key characteristics of bureaucratic theory are as follows:
- Clear Roles and Tasks: The theory highlights the importance of determining the terms of reference and functional tasks within the organization through written official documents.
- Formal Distribution of Work: Work is formally distributed to individuals within the organization. This means that tasks and responsibilities are assigned based on job descriptions and official roles.
- Delegation of Authority: Authorities are delegated to employees to enable them to carry out their tasks and responsibilities effectively.
- Separation of Personal and Official Business: Employees are expected to maintain a clear distinction between their official responsibilities and personal matters.
- Merit-Based Appointments: Individuals are appointed based on their competence and experience, rather than favoritism or nepotism.
- Hierarchical Structure: The organization is structured hierarchically, with clear levels of authority and reporting.
- Comprehensive Rules and Instructions: Bureaucratic organizations have comprehensive and general rules and instructions to guide actions and decisions.
Scientific Management Theory:
Scientific management theory, often associated with Frederick Winslow Taylor, focuses on increasing efficiency in production processes. It seeks to optimize worker performance and productivity by applying scientific methods.
Some key principles of scientific management theory are as follows:
- Division of Labor: Workers should specialize in specific tasks, leading to increased efficiency and expertise.
- Time and Motion Studies: Managers should study and analyze the time and motion required for each task to identify and eliminate unnecessary steps and wasted time.
- Worker Training: Employees should be trained to perform their tasks using the most efficient methods.
- Performance-Based Wages: Monetary incentives, such as higher wages, can motivate workers to increase their productivity.
- Scientific Approach: Managers should use scientific principles to make decisions and manage workers, emphasizing rationality and efficiency.
- Standardization: Standardized methods and tools should be used to perform tasks, reducing variability and increasing efficiency.
Both theories have contributed to our understanding of organizational management, with bureaucratic theory focusing on the structure and hierarchy of organizations, and scientific management theory emphasizing efficiency and optimization of production processes.
Behavioral School (Human Relations School):
The behavioral school emerged as a response to the limitations of the classical approach. It gained prominence in the 1930s and 1940s.
This school focused on understanding the human aspects of organizations, including employee motivation, communication, and group dynamics.
Notable researchers like Elton Mayo conducted the Hawthorne Studies, which revealed the significance of social factors in influencing workplace productivity.
The emphasis shifted from strict efficiency to recognizing the impact of employee satisfaction and interpersonal relationships on organizational success.
School of Systems:
The systems school originated in the 1950s and 1960s as a reaction to the complexities and interdependencies of modern organizations. This school views organizations as interconnected systems that interact with their environment.
General Systems Theory, developed by Ludwig von Bertalanffy, contributed to the understanding of how organizations adapt, evolve, and maintain equilibrium through feedback mechanisms.
This approach encouraged a holistic perspective that considered the organization as a whole rather than just its individual components.
Situational School (Contingency School):
The situational school emerged in the 1960s and 1970s and challenged the notion that there is a "one-size-fits-all" approach to organizing. This school argues that the most effective organizational practices depend on the specific situation or context.
Contingency theory, developed by researchers like Joan Woodward and Paul Lawrence, suggests that different circumstances require different management approaches. This school encourages flexibility and adaptation to various situations rather than adhering to a fixed set of principles.
Types of Systems:
Before delving into the various types of systems, it is imperative to establish a clear definition of what constitutes a system:
System: A system is a collection of interconnected elements that collaborate to accomplish a specific objective. These elements form an integrated and interdependent whole. For instance, a family functions as a system wherein its members interact as interconnected components. Zarqa University can be viewed as a subsystem within a larger framework.
Higher education systems can be categorized into two primary types:
1. Closed System: This type of system is conceptualized as a self-contained entity with minimal external interaction. It operates with a high degree of autonomy and doesn't rely significantly on inputs from its external environment. Likewise, it doesn't release substantial energy or output back into the external surroundings.
The concept of a closed system is more idealistic and theoretical in nature, often found in conceptual discussions rather than real-world scenarios. Closed systems are notably applicable in the study of social organizations.
In summary, systems are intricate compositions of interconnected elements striving towards specific goals. The closed system, while theoretically intriguing, remains more relevant in conceptual analysis, particularly within the realm of social organizations.
2- Open System: it is a system that interacts with the external environment surrounding the organization interactively. He influences and is influenced by the environment around him; he takes his inputs and energies from the Bisha and subtracts his outputs from goods and services in this Bisha.
The figure shows the nature of the open system:
Characteristics of Open Systems:
All open systems have inputs, conversion processes, and outputs. They also incorporate feedback mechanisms and interact with an external environment. There are additional defining characteristics for open systems, which include:
⓵ Organizational Environment: Open organizations exist within two types of environments:
A. Internal Environment: This encompasses the various processes and interactions within the organization's framework. It includes aspects such as the organizational structure, culture, and resources. Recognizing and understanding this environment's significance helps the organization identify strengths and weaknesses.
B. External Environment: This can be categorized into two types:
- Industry Environment: Involves direct interactions with the organization's industry, including competitors, customers, suppliers, distributors, financiers, and the local community.
- Broad Public Environment: Encompasses political, economic, social, cultural, technological, legislative, and legal factors. The open system interacts with and is influenced by this external environment, which is vital for its survival, continuity, and growth. Adaptation and alignment with the external environment are essential to seize opportunities and mitigate threats.
⓶ Continuity and Turnover: Open systems exhibit a continuous sequence of activities. The organization's products generate revenues, enabling the acquisition of necessary inputs, including materials and other resources.
⓷ Stability and Equilibrium: Open systems experience a dynamic equilibrium where energy flows between the system and its external environment. This process contributes to achieving stability or dynamic stability, maintaining the relationship between various parts and levels of the organization.
⓸ Balance Maintenance and Adjustment: Open systems manage the tension between two opposing activities: maintenance, which ensures the balance of system activities, and adaptation, which facilitates responsiveness to internal and external changes.
⓹ Expansion and Growth: Open systems inherently seek expansion and growth as a means of ensuring survival and progress.
⓺ Feedback: Open systems engage in continuous processes of guidance, monitoring, and input assessment. They address deviations promptly by constantly gathering information from both internal and external environments. This information aids in adaptation and corrective actions.
⓻ Resilience: Open systems demonstrate resilience against external pressures, leveraging their inputs to mitigate potential impacts on the surrounding environment.
⓼ Diverse Goal Achievement: Open systems possess multiple pathways and diverse combinations to achieve organizational goals and outputs.
Open systems are characterized by these various attributes, which collectively contribute to their adaptability, longevity, and success.
In conclusion, business organizations play a vital role in the modern economic landscape, serving as the driving force behind innovation, economic growth, and the creation of employment opportunities.
These entities encompass a diverse range of structures, including sole proprietorships, partnerships, corporations, and more, each with its own advantages and challenges.
Business organizations serve as vehicles for entrepreneurs and individuals to bring their ideas and products to market, contributing to the development of new technologies, products, and services that enhance our daily lives.
They facilitate the efficient allocation of resources, capitalizing on specialization and economies of scale to produce goods and services more effectively than individuals could on their own.
Throughout history, business organizations have been central to the growth of economies, fostering competition and encouraging the pursuit of excellence.
They have evolved to adapt to changing market dynamics, regulatory environments, and consumer preferences, shaping the fabric of societies and driving progress.
However, it is crucial to acknowledge that business organizations also bear responsibilities beyond profit-making.
Ethical considerations, social responsibility, and environmental sustainability are increasingly emphasized as vital components of successful business practices. Responsible and conscientious management can contribute to long-term viability and positive societal impact.
In a rapidly changing global economy, the landscape of business organizations continues to evolve, with technological advancements, geopolitical shifts, and cultural changes influencing their strategies and operations. To thrive in this dynamic environment, organizations must prioritize innovation, adaptability, and a commitment to ethical conduct.
Business organizations represent the engines of economic growth, innovation, and societal progress. As they navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving world, their ability to balance profit with responsible practices will determine not only their own success but also their contribution to a sustainable and prosperous future.