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a) Types of systems:
1. Physical vs. abstract systems
2. Complex vs. simple systems
3. Open vs. closed systems
4. Open loop vs. closed loop systems
5. Stable/static systems vs. dynamic systems
6. Adaptive systems vs. non-adaptive systems
7. Deterministic vs. probabilistic systems
8. Permanent vs. temporary systems
b) (i) Differentiation
(ii) Equifinality
This refers to the way open systems can achieve their objectives in a variety of ways using varying inputs, processes and methods.
(iii) Feedback
This is a control mechanism in open systems. Feedback involves measuring the output of the system, comparing the output with a standard and using any difference to modify subsequent input to ensure the output conforms to the required standard.
(iv) Transformation
(v) Entropy
This refers to the tendency towards disorder (chaos) in a system. The more closed a system, the greater the entropy.
c)(i) Features of the classical theories of organizations:
1. They emphasize on the structure of organizations, the management of structures and control of production methods.
2. They have a tendency of treating organizations as closed systems.
(ii) Features of human relational theories of organizations:
1. They focus more on the human element of the organization. They treat an organization as a social system, a system of cliques, grapevines, informal systems, rituals and a mixture of logical and non-logical behaviour.
2. They are based on a series of experiments by researcher Mayo at the Hawthorne Western electric in the 1920?s.
3. They aim to foster system efficiency by addressing factors determining motivation of staff e.g. Maslow?s hierarchy of needs, Frederick Herzberg?s theory.
(iii) Features of the contingency approach to organizations:
1. They treat an organization as a unique system resulting from an interaction of subsystems with the environment. The motto of the contingency theory is, “it all depends”.
Gregorymasila1 answered the question on March 28, 2018 at 14:29
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