Metaphor of Organization as Organism

Introduction Before the metaphor of organization as organism was introduced, organizations were viewed as machines. This metaphor of organizations as machines laid the foundation upon which organizations sought for more effective ways of responding to their external environment.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Metaphor of Organization as Organism specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The lack of flexibility that many bureaucratic organizations experienced forced organizational theorists to look for a different perception of organizations. As a result, theorists sought for answers in to biology, and more specifically ecology, to understand how organizations work. Hence the metaphor of organizations as organism was born. Ecology explains how organisms relate with their environments. When applied to organizations, â€Å"the social ecology of an organization implies there is a living system of relations between people, t heir small groups, and their communities,† (Morgan, 1998, p. 34). This paper discusses the metaphor of organization as an organism as proposed by Gareth Morgan. Discussion The notion of population ecology and its application to organizations borrows a leaf from the Darwinian assertion â€Å"survival for the fittest† whereby only the strongest of a particular species survives. The idea that organizations need to survive in the highly competitive business world in the wider external setting forced some organization theorists to look at organizations as open systems. Responding to the external environment requires a â€Å"stimulus response† (Buono Jamieson, 2010, p. 120) that is inherent in the organism metaphor. The open system ideology not only views the organization as a component of a bigger system, but also as constitute of integrated subsystems within the organization (Morgan, 1998). These systems mutually depend on each other and ideally assist each other to uphold several fundamental processes. In order for any organism to survive, it needs to understand its needs and vulnerabilities. This is also the case for an organization. Indeed, the growth and sustainability of any organization will not only enable it to survive in the highly competitive setting, but it will also enable it to be flexible enough to respond swiftly to the variations that take place as a result of variations in the environment. Flexibility and variations in an organization occur through redesign. Alvesson (2002) explains the redesigning as varying the fundamental make-up and procedure of an organization.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The survival of an organization also requires effective leaders who are participative and democratic, contrary to the authoritarian or autocratic styles of leaders that are the norm for mechanistic organizations (Golembiewski , 2000.) Participative and democratic leaders support association and active participation of the members. Therefore, the survival of an organization is also dependent on the growth and development of its members. The growth of organizational members can be illustrated through the development of attractive jobs, and independence, dependability and acknowledgment. This will enable the organization to be productive and hence stay ahead of its competitors. Strengths of the Organism Metaphor of Organizations The earlier metaphors of organization (as machines) did not attach any importance to the role the environment plays in the survival of an organization (Massarik, 1995). The theories therefore viewed organizations as closed systems that could be constructed as clearly defined structures of components. On the other hand, the ideas proposed by the organism metaphor put emphasis on the environment in which organizations function and as a result organizations need to take into considerat ion their environments in order to survive. The organism metaphor puts emphasis on the organizational survival as the major objective of any organization. This is contrary to the focus of the earlier theories on the attainment of specific operational objectives (Jackson, 2000). Survival is a procedure which leads to the attainment of objectives and targets. This view adds flexibility and gives warning of the danger of treating goals and objectives as ends in themselves. This is a universal mistake of many organizations. The organism metaphor also focuses on the utilization and attainment of resources as well as the fulfilment of diverse needs which support a wider and suppler strategy (Magalhaes, 2004). The attainment of congruence with the environment is a major managerial chore. Weaknesses of the Organism Metaphor of Organizations Organisms are species that exist in a natural world with material characteristics that influence the survival and wellbeing of its members. This natural world can be seen, felt and touched. Nature is objective and real in every way. Nevertheless, this image is not realistic when applied to an organization because organizations and their environments are mainly socially construed phenomena (Taylor Every, 2000). Organizations are the results of visions, ideas, norms and beliefs, and therefore their form and make-up is more delicate and cautious than the material make-up of an organism. Even though there are numerous material elements of an organization, organizations basically depend for survival – in the form of persistent organizational activity – on the imaginative deeds of human beings. It is therefore deceptive to argue that organizations are required to adjust to their external settings, as the earlier theorists argue.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Metaphor of Organization as Organism specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Conclusion The organiza tion as organism metaphor views organizations as entities that depend on the interdependence of its members for its survival. To a great extent, this metaphor is helpful in analyzing the functioning and survival of organizations particularly in reference to its external environment. Although the metaphor has much strength, it also has a number of limitations which have been discussed in this paper. Reference List Alvesson, M., 2002. Understanding organizational culture. London: Sage. Buono, A. Jamieson, D., 2010. Consultation for organizational change. New York: IAP. Golembiewski, R., 2000. Handbook of organizational consultation: revised and expanded. New York: CRC Press. Jackson, M., 2000. Systems approaches to management. London: Springer. Magalhaes, R., 2004. Organizational knowledge and technology: an action-oriented perspective on organization and information systems. London: Edward Elgar Publishing. Massarik, F., 1995. Advances in organization development: volume 3. New York : CRC Press.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Morgan, G., 1998. Images of organization. London: Berrett-Koehler Publishers. Taylor, J. Every, E., 2000. The emergent organization: communication as its site and surface. London: Sage. This essay on Metaphor of Organization as Organism was written and submitted by user Jazmin Vinson to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Early Sexualisation and Media Influence

Parents have always been wary of the interaction between their children and the media. These suspicions are always founded on the fact that parents do their best to instill leadership qualities on their children. Today’s media seems to undermine this goal through blatant sexualisation of young adults. The effects of this sexualisation are more severe in girls than they are on boys. Several bodies and organizations have taken note of this trend including journalist organizations, psychologists, and parent organizations.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Early Sexualisation and Media Influence specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More It has also been noted that this trend is on the rise and its effects are becoming more harmful especially to the young girls. Sexualisation refers to â€Å"when a person’s value comes only from her/his sexual appeal or behavior, to the exclusion of other characteristics, and when a person is sexually objectified, for instance, made into a thing for another’s sexual use† (Egan 300). Previously, several research projects have been undertaken with the view of unraveling how the media takes part in the sexualisation of young girls. This type of research is mostly commissioned by developmental psychologists, parent organizations, among other stakeholders. This paper explores how media influence contributes to early sexualisation of girls and some effects of this sexualisation. Almost all forms of media have the potential to engage in the promotion of early sexualisation of young girls. These media outlets might include â€Å"television, music videos, music lyrics, movies, magazines, sports media, video games, the Internet, and digital advertising† (Vares, Jackson and Gill 144). Some of these media forms such as teen-themed magazines and teen-themed television shows have a closer proximity to young girls. Virtually every study that ha s been conducted on the subject of sexualisation reveals that girls are usually on the receiving end of this practice. Examples of sexualisation in the media include portrayal of young girls dressed in skimpy clothes and young girls posing in suggestively. Another example of sexualisation is in situations where young girls are â€Å"objectified or used as decorative objects or as body parts rather than whole persons† (Lerum and Dworkin 254). The media also influences early sexualisation by over emphasizing unrealistic beauty standards to be used as templates by young girls. Media-initiated sexualisation often appeals to several aspects of a young girl’s life such as mode of dressing, mode of accessorizing, and choice in dolls. In American media, there are famous examples of media sexualisation. For instance, â€Å"the naughty and nice advertisement that featured pop star Christina Aguilera dressed as a schoolgirl in pigtails, with her shirt unbuttoned, licking a lolli pop† (Merskin 123). This particular advertisement sought to correlate young girls and sexual appeal.Advertising Looking for research paper on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This would translate to early sexualisation because Aguilera’s mode of dressing portrayed a girl of approximately eleven years. Young girls often have a deep connection with their dolls. Barbie is the most famous doll of all time and her portrayal in the media amounts to early sexualisation. Barbie is often portrayed as a skimpily dressed young girl. Some of the items of clothing that are supported by the media are sometimes inappropriate and misplaced. For example, most magazines and clothing catalogues advertise, â€Å"thongs for girls aged 7 to 10 years with suggestive slogans such as wink-wink† (Jackson and Vares 140). Traditionally, sex-themed fashion shows were reserved for adult females. However, today, fashion shows that are reserved for girls under the age of 12 can be sex-themed. Sexual development among girls is consistent with other factors. Every stage of development in a girl coincides with a certain gender identity (Attwood 78). The media constantly promotes a young girls’ mode of dressing that coincides with that of adult females. The clothes are originally designed for adult women but they are then passed on to young girls. Therefore, the lack of physical maturity that is necessary for the young girls to fit into the clothes designed for older women is often ignored. Other times the attempt to force these items of clothing on young girls is awkward. This form of early sexualisation might promote an identity crisis on the young girls (Collins 295). The media is not the only entity that takes part in early sexualisation of young girls. However, the media takes its cue from other aspects of the society. A study conducted in the UK found out that the media takes advantage of the you ng girls’ interactions with their peer, teachers, and parents (Danielle and Hawkes 313). For instance, parents usually instill the belief that maintaining youth and beauty is the most important activity for women. In today’s society, some parents go as far as suggesting plastic surgery for their young daughters. Other research studies have revealed that teachers can promote stereotypes that the media can use to perpetuate early sexualisation. These stereotypes usually involve profiling the onset of sexual behaviors in accordance with race. Nevertheless, one of the most important tools that the media uses when promoting early sexualisation is peer influence (Bragg 284). Young girls often try to conform to the standards that are set by their peers such as thinness and fashion-sense. The media can also capitalize on the influence young boys have on young girls when perpetuating early sexualisation.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Early Sexu alisation and Media Influence specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Early sexualisation of young girls can be realized through various forms. Some of these realizations can be direct influences of the media. When a young girl buys an item of clothing or an accessory that is meant to make her sexually appealing, it is a manifestation of early sexualisation. Another manifestation of early sexualisation is when a young girl dresses or acts like her favorite ‘sexy’ celebrity. Various studies cite the media as the main driver of early sexualisation (Slater and Tiggemann 47). Therefore, it is important to note that changes within the media could have a significant impact on early sexualisation of girls. There are several documented effects of early sexualisation among girls. Psychologists have explored how early sexualisation could affect the young girl’s well-being. Most psychologists acknowledge that early sexualisation can influence a girl’s cognitive, mental, and sexual well-being. One of the known effects of early sexualisation is self-objectification. This effect can interfere with a girl’s cognitive abilities therefore hampering her mathematical or logical reasoning abilities (Machia and Lamb 18). Current research also shows a direct relationship between early sexualisation and mental health shortcomings among women including eating disorders, depression, and low self-esteem issues (Stice and Agras 271). The ability to develop a healthy sexuality in girls can also be affected by exposure to early sexualisation. The society is also bound to feel the effects of early sexualisation. The effects of early sexualisation can be countered in several ways. Most of the earlier studies on the subject had focused on adult women. It is important for future studies to focus more on the cultural aspects of early sexualisation (Attwood 90). The listed forms of media sexualisation indicate that this trend is on the rise. It is up to all the involved stakeholders to get a hold of this trend before it escalates to unmanageable proportions. Works Cited Attwood, Feona. â€Å"Sexed up: Theorizing the sexualization of culture.† Sexualities 9.1 (2006): 77-94. Jstor. Web. Bragg, Sara. â€Å"Too much, too soon? Children, ‘sexualization’ and consumer culture.†Ã‚  Sex Education 11.3 (2011): 279-292. JournalSeek. Web.Advertising Looking for research paper on psychology? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Collins, Rebecca. â€Å"Content analysis of gender roles in media: Where are we now and where should we go?.† Sex Roles 64.3-4 (2011): 290-298. Jstor. Web. Danielle, Egan, and Gail Hawkes. â€Å"Girls, sexuality and the strange carnalities of advertisements: Deconstructing the discourse of corporate paedophilia.† Australian feminist studies 23.57 (2008): 307-322. Jstor. Web. Egan, Daniel. â€Å"Endangered girls and incendiary objects: Unpacking the discourse on sexualization.† Sexuality culture 12.4 (2008): 291-311. Web. Jackson, Sue, and Tiina Vares. â€Å"Media â€Å"sluts†:â€Å"Tween† girls’ negotiations of postfeminist sexual subjectivities in popular culture.† New femininities: Postfeminism, neoliberalism and subjectivity 23.2 (2011): 134-146. JournalSeek. Web. Lerum, Kari, and Shari Dworkin. â€Å"â€Å"Bad girls rule†: An interdisciplinary feminist commentary on the report of the APA Task Force on the sexualization of girls.† Journal of Sex Research 46.4 (2009): 250-263. Jstor. Web. Machia, Marty, and Sharon Lamb. â€Å"Sexualized Innocence.† Journal of Media  Psychology: Theories, Methods, and Applications 21.1 (2009): 15-24. JournalSeek. Web. Merskin, Debra. â€Å"Reviving Lolita? A media literacy examination of sexual portrayals of girls in fashion advertising.† American Behavioral Scientist 48.1 (2004): 119-129. Web. Slater, Amy, and Marika Tiggemann. â€Å"Body image and disordered eating in adolescent girls and boys: A test of objectification theory.† Sex roles 63.2 (2010): 42-49. Web. Stice, Eric, and Stewart Agras. â€Å"Exposure to media-portrayed thin-ideal images adversely affects vulnerable girls: A longitudinal experiment.† Journal of Social and Clinical Psychology 20.3 (2001): 270-288. JournalSeek. Web. Vares, Tiina, Sue Jackson, and Rosalind Gill. â€Å"Preteen girls read ‘tween’ popular culture: Diversity, complexity and contradic tion.† International Journal of Media Cultural Politics 7.2 (2011): 139-154. Jstor. Web. This research paper on Early Sexualisation and Media Influence was written and submitted by user Jamar S. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.