Organization and Management Problem Solving : A Systems and Consulting Approach

by James T Ziegenfuss, Jr

• ISBN13: 9780761919155
• ISBN10: 0761919155
• eBook ISBN(s): 9781452264066
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2001-11-01
• Publisher: Sage Publications, Inc
• More Book Details

Summary

James T Ziegenfuss Jr presents a tested model for analyzing organization and management problems and a series of case studies to help the reader apply problem-solving to real experiences.This work is the result of 20 years in consultancy and uses case studies from the public and private sectors to illustrate each of the five categories of problems: technical; structural; psychosocial; managerial; and cultural. The variety and depth of the cases is purposeful, reflecting what real teams and managers face.

Author Biography

James T. Ziegenfuss, Jr., is Professor of Management and Health Care Systems at the Pennsylvania State University and Adjunct Clinical Professor of Medicine at the Pennsylvania State Medical College

Table of Contents

Preface and Acknowledgments	ix
Organizational Systems Thinking and Problem Solving	1	(50)
Needs for Problem Solving and Consulting	6	(1)
The Nature of Problems	7	(2)
Organizational and Sociotechnical Systems Concepts	9	(12)
Organizational Systems and Development Processes	21	(3)
Stakeholders	24	(1)
Action Research and Organizational Development	25	(2)
Problem Solving and Consultation Phases, Interventions, and Engagement Questions	27	(4)
Problem Solving Actions: Philosophy and Style of Interventions	31	(2)
Problem Solvers: Consultant Types and Roles	33	(10)
Consultant Skills and Competencies	43	(3)
Problem-Solving Outcomes	46	(2)
Analyzing Engagements: The Case Report	48	(3)
Solving Product and Technical Problems	51	(50)
The Hospital Laboratory Feasibility Case	54	(7)
Displaced Workers	61	(24)
Library Use	85	(10)
Computers in High School: Oakton School District	95	(3)
Westside Hospital: Services Distribution	98	(1)
The Ford/Firestone Problem	99	(2)
Solving Structural Problems	101	(54)
Sanitation Service: Sanicorp Compensation Case	104	(7)
University Reorganization	111	(16)
Matrix Design: Church and Community Services	127	(17)
A High School Merger in a Suburban School System	144	(8)
Southwest Airlines Expands	152	(3)
Solving Psychosocial System Problems	155	(28)
Fedstate Medical Center Morale Study	157	(8)
Communication at the Airline Owners Association	165	(5)
Intergroup Conflict: National Pharmaceuticals	170	(1)
The Bad Bank Board Director at Community Bank	171	(1)
An Engineering Department's Problem	172	(9)
Marriott and the Start-up Hotel	181	(2)
Solving Managerial System Problems	183	(80)
Medical Department Strategic Planning	186	(9)
Labor-Management Needs Assessment	195	(25)
Clinic Merger Case	220	(31)
Branches for Citibank	251	(1)
Motorcars and Leadership Development	252	(1)
Charter Schools: Organization and Management Development	253	(10)
Solving Cultural System Problems	263	(32)
The Softball Game	267	(3)
Applied Research Labs	270	(8)
Innovation in the Culture at AutoPoint	278	(7)
Culture Clash Undercuts Merger	285	(6)
Diversity in the Corporate Culture: Office Logistics and Supply	291	(1)
Cultural Ethics and Values in a Nonprofit	292	(3)
References	295	(10)
Index	305	(5)
About the Author	310