Assignment 1:—Structural Configurations for Organizations

Henry Mintzberg (1980) introduced a new way to explain structural configurations by “clustering various functions into groupings and showing their relative size and clout in response to different missions and external challenges” (Bolman & Deal, 2009, p. 78). Other authors offer different ways of looking at this topic.

Using the University online library resources, locate a minimum of four different scholarly sources that offer different approaches on structural configurations for organizations.

Complete the following:

• Pick two extra approaches, one of those being Sally Helgesen’s (1995) “The Web of Inclusion.”
• From the manager’s standpoint, examine the different approaches and provide the pros and cons of each one of them when compared to Mintzberg’s proposal.

Write your initial response in a minimum of 400 words. Apply APA standards to citation of sources.

By Thursday, January 9, 2014, post your responses to the appropriate Discussion Area.

Bolman, L., & Deal, T. (2009). Reframing organizations: Artistry, choice, and leadership(4th ed.). Jossey-Bass.

Helgesen, S. (1995). The Web of Inclusion: A New Architecture for Building Great Organizations. New York: Currency/Doubleday.

Mintzberg, H. (1980). Structure in 5’s: A synthesis of the research on organization design.Management Science, 26(3), 322–341.

Assignment 2: Home Depot Analysis

For this assignment, you will review an article describing a situation in which a business leader used a management approach that proved to be unsuccessful. You will write an analysis that covers the requirements listed in the directions below.

Directions:

Review the following:

Using the University online library resources, locate at least 2 different scholarly sources on the topic.

Write a paper that covers the following:

1. Explain what led to an unsuccessful outcome at Home Depot.
2. Analyze the Home Depot scenario utilizing the four-frame model (i.e., Structure, HR, Political, and Symbolic). 
3. Explain which frames were more useful in your analysis and justify your reasoning.
4. Explain an experience you have faced in your own career that is similar to the situation presented in this case. Analyze the approach taken and assess its success. 

Write a 2–3-page paper in Word format. Utilize at least two scholarly sources in support. Your paper should be written in a clear, concise, and organized manner; demonstrate ethical scholarship in accurate representation and attribution of sources; and display accurate spelling, grammar, and punctuation.

 By Sunday, January 12, 2014, deliver your assignment to the M2: Assignment 2 Dropbox.