Basic organization theory
What does a social scientific theory?
Simplifying the world: Social scientific theories aim to reduce the complexity of the social
world by identifying key patterns, relationships, and variables. This simplification helps in
making the intricate dynamics of social interactions and organizational structures more
understandable and manageable.
Linking abstract concepts to each other: These theories establish connections between
abstract concepts, creating a coherent framework that elucidates how different elements of a
social or organizational system relate to and affect each other. This linkage facilitates a holistic
understanding of the system.
Conceptualizing and classifying aspects of our world: Social scientific theories provide a
structured way to conceptualize various aspects of the social world, categorizing them into
meaningful groups or classes. This helps in organizing knowledge, making it easier to analyze,
interpret, and apply in practical scenarios.
In summary, a social scientific theory in organizational theory provides a foundational framework for
explaining, predicting, interpreting, and influencing social phenomena within organizations, as well as
guiding research efforts to expand our understanding of these phenomena.
What is an organization?
An actor with common goals that are different from individual goals
A corporative actor
In summary, an organization is a collective entity with a clear purpose, structured interactions,
engaged individuals, allocated resources, standardized processes, a distinct culture, and a contextual
relationship with its external environment.
In summary, when we describe an organization as "an actor with common goals that are different
from individual goals" and "a corporative actor," we are emphasizing its active role in pursuing
collective objectives, its function as a unified entity, and its capacity to engage with and influence its
environment independently of its individual members.
Find one example for each:
A private sector organization
A public sector organization
A non-profit organization
Why do these organizations belong to that sector?
1. Private Sector Organization: Apple Inc.
Description: Apple Inc. is a multinational technology company that designs, manufactures, and
markets consumer electronics, computer software, and online services.
, Reason for Belonging to the Private Sector: Apple is owned by private individuals and shareholders. It
operates with the primary goal of generating profit for its owners and shareholders. The company
operates in a competitive market, and its activities are driven by market demand and the pursuit of
financial gain.
2. Public Sector Organization: The United States Postal Service (USPS)
Description: The USPS is an independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal
government responsible for providing postal service in the United States.
Reason for Belonging to the Public Sector: The USPS is a government-owned entity, funded and
operated by the federal government. Its primary goal is to provide a public service, ensuring mail and
package delivery across the United States, rather than generating profit. It operates in the public
interest and is accountable to government regulations and oversight.
3. Non-Profit Organization: World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
Description: WWF is an international non-governmental organization working in the field of
wilderness preservation and the reduction of human impact on the environment.
Reason for Belonging to the Non-Profit Sector: WWF operates with the primary goal of conservation
and environmental protection, rather than generating profit. It relies on donations, grants, and
memberships for funding. Any surplus funds are reinvested into the organization’s mission rather
than distributed to owners or shareholders. WWF’s status as a non-profit organization reflects its
commitment to serving a social or environmental mission rather than pursuing financial gain.
What is an epistemology?
What we think can be discovered about the world
It explores fundamental questions about how we acquire knowledge, what knowledge is, and how we
can be certain of what we know. In summary, epistemology is a philosophical inquiry into the nature,
origins, and validity of human knowledge, seeking to understand how we come to know what we
know and what limits there might be to our knowledge.
What is ontology?
The way we think the world is
Difference between epistemology and ontology
Epistemology: This is all about knowledge and understanding.
Focus: It focuses on how we know what we know.
Questions: It asks questions like "What is knowledge?", "How do we learn?", and "Can we be
certain about anything?"
Example: If you’re reading a book, epistemology is concerned with how you understand and
interpret the words, and how you know what the book is really about.
Ontology: This is about existence and what’s really out there in the world.
What does a social scientific theory?
Simplifying the world: Social scientific theories aim to reduce the complexity of the social
world by identifying key patterns, relationships, and variables. This simplification helps in
making the intricate dynamics of social interactions and organizational structures more
understandable and manageable.
Linking abstract concepts to each other: These theories establish connections between
abstract concepts, creating a coherent framework that elucidates how different elements of a
social or organizational system relate to and affect each other. This linkage facilitates a holistic
understanding of the system.
Conceptualizing and classifying aspects of our world: Social scientific theories provide a
structured way to conceptualize various aspects of the social world, categorizing them into
meaningful groups or classes. This helps in organizing knowledge, making it easier to analyze,
interpret, and apply in practical scenarios.
In summary, a social scientific theory in organizational theory provides a foundational framework for
explaining, predicting, interpreting, and influencing social phenomena within organizations, as well as
guiding research efforts to expand our understanding of these phenomena.
What is an organization?
An actor with common goals that are different from individual goals
A corporative actor
In summary, an organization is a collective entity with a clear purpose, structured interactions,
engaged individuals, allocated resources, standardized processes, a distinct culture, and a contextual
relationship with its external environment.
In summary, when we describe an organization as "an actor with common goals that are different
from individual goals" and "a corporative actor," we are emphasizing its active role in pursuing
collective objectives, its function as a unified entity, and its capacity to engage with and influence its
environment independently of its individual members.
Find one example for each:
A private sector organization
A public sector organization
A non-profit organization
Why do these organizations belong to that sector?
1. Private Sector Organization: Apple Inc.
Description: Apple Inc. is a multinational technology company that designs, manufactures, and
markets consumer electronics, computer software, and online services.
, Reason for Belonging to the Private Sector: Apple is owned by private individuals and shareholders. It
operates with the primary goal of generating profit for its owners and shareholders. The company
operates in a competitive market, and its activities are driven by market demand and the pursuit of
financial gain.
2. Public Sector Organization: The United States Postal Service (USPS)
Description: The USPS is an independent agency of the executive branch of the United States federal
government responsible for providing postal service in the United States.
Reason for Belonging to the Public Sector: The USPS is a government-owned entity, funded and
operated by the federal government. Its primary goal is to provide a public service, ensuring mail and
package delivery across the United States, rather than generating profit. It operates in the public
interest and is accountable to government regulations and oversight.
3. Non-Profit Organization: World Wildlife Fund (WWF)
Description: WWF is an international non-governmental organization working in the field of
wilderness preservation and the reduction of human impact on the environment.
Reason for Belonging to the Non-Profit Sector: WWF operates with the primary goal of conservation
and environmental protection, rather than generating profit. It relies on donations, grants, and
memberships for funding. Any surplus funds are reinvested into the organization’s mission rather
than distributed to owners or shareholders. WWF’s status as a non-profit organization reflects its
commitment to serving a social or environmental mission rather than pursuing financial gain.
What is an epistemology?
What we think can be discovered about the world
It explores fundamental questions about how we acquire knowledge, what knowledge is, and how we
can be certain of what we know. In summary, epistemology is a philosophical inquiry into the nature,
origins, and validity of human knowledge, seeking to understand how we come to know what we
know and what limits there might be to our knowledge.
What is ontology?
The way we think the world is
Difference between epistemology and ontology
Epistemology: This is all about knowledge and understanding.
Focus: It focuses on how we know what we know.
Questions: It asks questions like "What is knowledge?", "How do we learn?", and "Can we be
certain about anything?"
Example: If you’re reading a book, epistemology is concerned with how you understand and
interpret the words, and how you know what the book is really about.
Ontology: This is about existence and what’s really out there in the world.
