These characterization strike a cord of reality for organizational researchers, pr practicing managers, who are trying to make sense out of certain organizational behaviors. Organizations rarely are “tightly run ships” that concern themselves with rational decision making. One obvious limitation relates to the size of and organization. A small family business will operate with much smaller “teach can,” and probably will be a little less monstrous and octopoid, simply because the store or business must open on a daily basis. In addition, the chaotic description carries more validity with upper level management, who are in charge on planning functions, than with frontline supervisors or managers. However, in both of these examples, the individuals involved still must deal with the external environment replete with whatever octopoid tendencies it possess (e.g.,government regulations,incompetent bosses, late delivery of supplies).
This short discussion underlines that a “both/and” perspective is most likely to assist you in understanding organizations. Organizations are chaotic and predictable. Decisions are justified after the fact and also carefully planned. Both are true and the popularity of Murphy’s Laws may be attributable to the unpredictable nature of organizations, as show in Table 4.8.
We have discussion the impact of stories, myths, metaphors, inconsistencies, and humor in organizations. The particular type of culture operating also has an effect on verbal communication. In turn, the verbal communication perpetuates the predominant culture.