Organizational models

Tony Bush (2011) in his book “Theories of Educational Leadership and Management” studies different models of organizational structure. This topic is relevant for everyone who deals with any type of organization since the concepts discussed in the book are applicable to any organization. In this essay, I will consider formal, collegial, and political models and their common features. 

Formal models are the most common models for organizations all over the world.  Formal models represent different theories, which include structural models, systems models, bureaucratic models, rational models and hierarchical models. They all have clear organizational structure and in most cases this structure is hierarchical. Education institutions which possess on of these models are goal-seeking institutions; in the decision-making there is a strong rational process; and there is a presence of authority and accountability. Systems models to addition to the key features have coherence that is described as “unity and integrity of the organization inside and outside” (Bush, 2011, p. 44). “Bureaucratic models seek maximum efficiency through rational approaches to management” (Bush, 2011, p. 47). In addition to key features of all formal models, bureaucratic models constitute distribution of proxies, impersonal relationships, reward for the carried work, and strong control on rules and regulations. The focus of rational models is in decision-making with the implementation of normative theories, which give the notion of norms of behavior within organization. Hierarchical models focused on the accountability to external environment.

“Collegial models assume that organizations determine policy and make decisions through a process of discussion leading to consensus” (Bush, 2011, p. 72). Collegial models have two main branches: restricted collegiality that is described by decision-making of limited number of participants and pure collegiality, which gives the opportunity to everyone to participate in decision-making process. The key features of collegial models differ from formal ones. Collegial models are described as normative where “decisions are made on an individual basis rather than standardized” (Bush, 2011, p. 74). Collegial models have to have same vision to make right decisions and “making groups is an important element in collegial management” (Bush, 2011, p. 74).

Political models refer to “micropolitics” (Bush, 2011, p. 99). Its major features are group activity, the existence of interests and interest groups, presence of conflicts, the process of bargaining and negotiation in decision-making and power of individuals or groups.

To sum up, formal and collegial models have static structure whereas political models’ structure is not stable. Formal models designed for effectiveness of organizations’ decisions, while political models’ structure identifies “which interests are to be served by the organization” (Bush, 2011, p. 114).

References

Bush, T. (2011). Theories of educational leadership and management. (4^th ed.) Nottingham, UK: SAGE Publications ltd.