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Organizational Ecologies & Contexts
From my perspective, the ecologies and contexts within which organizations operate fall into two general categories:
Controlled Access System--where access to the resources of a group and its activities are controlled by one or a few select individuals; and
Shared Access Systems--where the resources of a group and its activities are impartially dealt with by all members of the group.
In this entry, let me share what the controlled access context looks like:
The Controlled Access Context
This context is about maintaining order and control.
Some of the key principles adhered to in a controlled access context are:
Leadership is based on position power.
Most activities are expected to be predictable, controlled and operating at optimum efficiency.
Only a few individuals have the responsibility and authority to maintain control by developing, clarifying, and reinforcing goals, action plans, and policies.
Everyone is expected to diligently follow prescribed rules and behavioral guidelines, in addition to embracing the solutions presented by management.
All changes are made incrementally by the direction of upper management, following rigorous formal planning and the establishment of precise implementation guidelines.
Everyone is asked and expected to be a team player, in addition to being dedicated to formally communicated cultural values.
Work Practices
The work practices in a controlled access environment demonstrate that the organization's goals and objectives are the purview of Management.
People have little autonomy in redesigning work contexts that may be more challenging and rewarding. To keep this type of order:
Education and training are geared towards making current jobs more efficient and predictable.
Little value is placed on developing and maintaining a sense of community that emphasizes intimacy, trust and mutual support.
Few people have line-of-sight relationships with other organizational groups or customers.
Most people are not expected to understand the socially significant purpose and the overall interconnected operations of the business.
Individuals and teams are seldom asked for input regarding how organizational activities, resources and rewards should be managed.
Frequently Heard Comments
The kinds of comments heard in controlled access contexts include:
You must.
That's not my job.
You have no choice.
Have you forgotten the deadline?
We need to talk.
It's the bottom line that counts.
This is for your own good.
Get off my back.
I don't care how you feel.
You had better pay attention to company policy.
Don't you understand?
Is it time to go home yet?
In this type of context, workers are bound to be scrambling for the door. Not exactly a motivation-inducing environment.
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