Structure in Schools Hoy and Miskel, 2008

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Max Weber (1947) Division of Labor

Division of labor produces specialization which increases efficiency. Impersonal Orientation Decisions are based on fact and not feelings. Hierarchy of Authority A system of superordination (superiors) and subordination (subordinates) to guarantee

compliance and discipline Rules and Regulations Ensures uniformity of behavior of the employees. Career Orientation Promotion of loyal employees based on seniority and achievement.(dispassionate

decisions) Efficiency Bureaucracy maximizes expertise, rational decisions, and administrative efficiency.

Model of Bureaucracy (Formal organization)

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Weber’s Model of Bureaucracy in Popular TV

Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce is the incarnation of Weber’s bureaucratic model MAD MEN (TV series)

rules and regulations –stable and

without personality- even when

seduced by a beautiful

woman, he remains

incorruptible

He has the office on top floor-highest source of authority Charismatic authority

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Critique of Weber’s Model

1. Dysfunctional aspects are not considered

2. Informal organization is neglected

3. Dual structure of bureaucratic model

4. Feminist critique

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Dysfunctional Features of Bureaucracy

Function

Expertise

Rationality

Compliance and

Coordination

Continuity and Stability

Incentive

Characteristic

Division of Labor

Impersonal Orientation

Hierarchy of Authority

Rules and Regulations

Career Orientation

Dysfunction

Boredom

Lack of morale

Communication

blocks

Rigidity and goal

displacement

Conflict between

achievement and

seniority10/24/2012

Functions and Dysfunctions of Rules

Functions Dysfunctions

Explication Reinforce Apathy(minimum acceptable )Screening (buffering) Goal displacementLegitimate Punishment Create legalismLeeway Indulgency (leniency)

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It is the spontaneous development of a social structure and culture within a formal organization

Informal Organization- “Shadow Organization”

How does it develop within a formal organization?

Personal relations

Division into cliques (based on feelings, common lounge, age, similar interests, etc)

Social norms (appropriate behavior)

Informal roles( unofficial spokesperson, informal leaders)

Informal communication(the grapevine)

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Dual Structure of the Bureaucratic Model

Is bureaucratic administration based primarily on expertise, or is it based on rules and discipline?

The answer to this question creates the conflict of dual bureaucracy in Weber’s model.

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Feminist Critique

Bureaucracies promote male values at the expense of female ones.

Hierarchy

Impersonality

Independence

Competition

Rationality

VS.

Equalitarian

personalized

dependence

Cooperation

Emotionality

Structure in Schools -HALL

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Two Types of Rational Organizations rather than One integrated model -Hall(1962)

Bureaucratic Pattern Hierarchy of Authority Rules for employees Procedural Specifications Impersonality

Professional Pattern Technical Competence Specialization

Formal Structure in Schools

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Predicted Changes In School Structure

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Chaotic Organization

AuthoritarianOrganization

ProfessionalOrganization

WeberianOrganization

Stable Environment

Turbulent Environment

Structure in Schools –Hoy and Sweetland (2000-2001)

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School structures can be described along a continuum from enabling to hindering.

Enabling School Structure

Enabling Hierarchy

Enabling formalization (rules & procedures)

Use two-way

communicationView problems as

opportunitiesSeek mutual solutionsSupport differencesPractice opennessEmbrace the unexpectedCorrect mistakes

Hindering School Structure

Hindering Hierarchy

Coercive formalization (rules &procedures)

Impose top-down

communicationView problems as

constraintsForce consensusSuspicious of differencesBe cautious and closedFear the unexpectedPunish mistakes

Key Parts of Structure- Mintzberg

Techno-Structure

Strategic Apex

Support Staff

Middle Line

Operating Core

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superintendent over a school district

School principal

Coordinators- instructional supervisors

teachers

Accountant-maintenance

They are the fundamental means organizations use to monitor and control work. These mechanisms are the glue the hold the organization together.

Mutual Adjustment--informal communication Direct Supervision--personal command Standardization of Work– work program directions Standardization of Output--specify work results Standardization of Skills--specify training

Coordinating Mechanisms-Mintzberg

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Five Combinations and Five Basic Structures (Mintzberg)

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Simple Structure

Machine Bur.

Professional Bur.

Divisional Form

Adhocracy

Directive Supervision

Stand. of Work

Stand. of Skills

Stand. of Outputs

Mutual Adjustment

Strategic Apex

Technostructur

e

Operating Core

Middle Line

Support Staff

Loose Coupling Perspective

Loose couplings are structural connections among school units in the bureaucratic structure. Ex. the administration of a school has little influence on what is happening in the classroom.

Schools are complex organizations with both tight and loose structural connections.

Bureaucracies tend to be tightly structured.Professional organizations tend to be more loosely structured.

Tight coupling promotes limits discretion of teachers.Loose coupling enhances discretion of teachers.

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Professional and Bureaucratic Orientations

Professional Orientation

• Expertise• Objective perspective• Impersonal approach• Service to clients

Bureaucratic Orientation

• Expertise• Objective perspective• Impersonal approach• Service to the organization

Sources of Conflict between Orientations

• Colleague reference group • Hierarchical orientation • Autonomy in decision making • Disciplined compliance• Self-imposed control • Subordinated to the organization

Sources of Compatibility between Orientations

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Questions/Comments

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