DPR2603 Assignment 1 (100% COMPLETE ANSWERS) 2025 - DUE 24 March 2025

DPR2603
ASSIGNMENT 1 2025

UNIQUE NO.
DUE DATE: 24 MARCH 2025

, DPR2603

Assignment 1 2025



Unique Number:

Due Date: 24 March 2025

Organisational Dynamics

Table of Contents
1. Introduction ............................................................................................................... 2

2. Question 1: Systems Perspective & Weick’s Views ............................................... 2

2.1 Systems Perspective ........................................................................................... 2

2.2 Weick’s Views on Systems Perspective ............................................................ 2

2.3 Definition of Organisation ................................................................................... 3

3. Question 2: Organisational Structures (Hickson & Macdonald, 2001) ................. 3

4. Question 3: Disciplines in Organisational Behaviour ............................................ 4

4.1 Psychology ........................................................................................................... 4

4.2 Sociology .............................................................................................................. 4

4.3 Anthropology ....................................................................................................... 4

4.4 Political Science ................................................................................................... 4

5. Question 4: Marketing Directorate Structure (UNISA) ........................................... 5

6. Conclusion ................................................................................................................. 5

7. References ................................................................................................................. 5

, 1. Introduction

Organisations are complex entities that function through various systems, structures,
and disciplines. This assignment explores the Systems Perspective, organisational
structures as identified by Hickson & Macdonald (2001), and how psychology,
sociology, anthropology, and political science contribute to organisational
behaviour. Additionally, a structural diagram of the Marketing Directorate at UNISA is
provided.




2. Question 1: Systems Perspective & Weick’s Views
2.1 Systems Perspective

The Systems Perspective views an organisation as an interconnected set of
components working towards a common goal. It is based on General Systems Theory
(GST), which suggests that organisations function similarly to living organisms, where
different parts interact dynamically (Kast & Rosenzweig, 1972).

This perspective considers:

 Inputs: Resources, employees, technology.
 Processes: Management, decision-making, workflow.
 Outputs: Products, services, organisational performance.

A key feature is feedback loops, where organisations adjust based on performance
evaluations and environmental changes.

2.2 Weick’s Views on Systems Perspective

Karl Weick introduced the concept of “loosely coupled systems”, where different
parts of an organisation operate semi-independently but remain connected (Weick,
1976). He also emphasized: