Friday, June 19, 2009

Theory Z

From Chapter 5 entitled Cultural Studies of Organizations and Communication in the sub section Competitive Pressures on page 130 Ouchi’s Theory Z is introduced. (His name cracks me up by the way!) “Theory Z type of an organization would integrate individual achievement and advancement while also developing a sense of community in the workplace…it would also be capable or reducing negative influences and segmented decision making by incorporating new cultural values into the work environment.”


Overall, I feel that individual advancement and a community environment already exist in organizations today. For example if a project needs to be completed a group will work together to complete it but at the same time hope their individual success and work will help with grow in the organization.


Theory Z is a good concept but is not something that needs to be implemented because I think that individual advancement will always outweigh community. At any job I have ever done I have had to work with someone else or a group of people and I do want the group as a whole to succeed but I want my work to stand out so that I look good. I think most people, deep down, feel the same.

1 comment:

  1. I agree with this statement. On a typical group project done in school, I will put all my effort into the project just in hopes that my teacher will recognize that and give me a higher grade. This effort benefits my group, but in the end I am solely out for my own benefits.
    This is normal in a society that highlights successes and demeans people that fail. It is an individualistic society where everyone is looking to better themselves and their situation. We work as a group only to benefit ourselves.

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