Structure in Schools

Hoy and Miskel, 2008

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Model of Bureaucracy (Formal organization)

Max Weber (1947) Division of Labor Division of labor produces specialization which increases efficiency. Impersonal Orientation Decisions are based on fact and not feelings. Hierarchy of Authority A system of superordination (superiors) and subordination (subordinates) to guarantee compliance and discipline Rules and Regulations Ensures uniformity of behavior of the employees. Career Orientation Promotion of loyal employees based on seniority and achievement.(dispassionate decisions) Efficiency Bureaucracy maximizes expertise, rational decisions, and administrative efficiency.
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Webers Model of Bureaucracy in Popular TV

rules and regulations stable and without personalityeven when seduced by a beautiful woman, he remains incorruptible He has the office on top floorhighest source of authority Charismatic authority

MAD MEN (TV series) Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce is the incarnation of Webers bureaucratic model 10/24/2012

Critique of Webers Model

1. Dysfunctional aspects are not considered 2. Informal organization is neglected 3. Dual structure of bureaucratic model 4. Feminist critique

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Dysfunctional Features of Bureaucracy

Function
Expertise Rationality Compliance and Coordination Continuity and Stability Incentive

Characteristic
Division of Labor Impersonal Orientation Hierarchy of Authority Rules and Regulations Career Orientation

Dysfunction
Boredom Lack of morale Communication blocks Rigidity and goal displacement Conflict between achievement and seniority

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Functions and Dysfunctions of Rules

Functions Dysfunctions

Explication Screening (buffering) Legitimate Punishment Leeway

Reinforce Apathy(minimum acceptable ) Goal displacement Create legalism Indulgency (leniency)

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Informal Organization- Shadow Organization

It is the spontaneous development of a social structure and culture within a formal organization
How does it develop within a formal organization?
Personal relations Division into cliques (based on feelings, common lounge, age, similar interests, etc) Social norms (appropriate behavior) Informal roles( unofficial spokesperson, informal leaders) Informal communication(the grapevine)

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Dual Structure of the Bureaucratic Model

Is bureaucratic administration based primarily on expertise, or is it based on rules and discipline? The answer to this question creates the conflict of dual bureaucracy in Webers model.

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Feminist Critique
Bureaucracies promote male values at the expense of female ones.
Hierarchy Impersonality Independence Competition Rationality VS. Equalitarian personalized dependence Cooperation Emotionality

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Structure in Schools -HALL

Two Types of Rational Organizations rather than One integrated model -Hall(1962)
Bureaucratic Pattern Hierarchy of Authority Rules for employees Procedural Specifications Impersonality Professional Pattern Technical Competence Specialization
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Formal Structure in Schools

Professional Pattern High Low Bureaucratic Pattern High Low

Weberian Professional

Authoritarian Chaotic

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Predicted Changes In School Structure

Chaotic
Organization

Authoritarian
Organization

Weberian
Organization

Professional
Organization

Stable Environment Turbulent Environment

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Structure in Schools Hoy and Sweetland (2000-2001)

School structures can be described along a continuum from enabling to hindering. Enabling School Structure Enabling Hierarchy Enabling formalization (rules &
procedures)
Use

Hindering School Structure Hindering Hierarchy Coercive formalization (rules

&procedures)
Impose

two-way communication View problems as opportunities Seek mutual solutions Support differences Practice openness Embrace the unexpected Correct mistakes
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top-down communication View problems as constraints Force consensus Suspicious of differences Be cautious and closed Fear the unexpected Punish mistakes

Key Parts of Structure- Mintzberg

Strategic Apex
superintendent over a school district

Coordinatorsinstructional supervisors

TechnoStructure

Middle Support Staff Line

Accountant-maintenance

School principal

Operating Core

teachers

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Coordinating Mechanisms-Mintzberg
They are the fundamental means organizations use to monitor and control work. These mechanisms are the glue the hold the organization together.
Mutual Adjustment--informal communication

Direct Supervision--personal command Standardization of Work work program directions Standardization of Output--specify work results Standardization of Skills--specify training

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Five Combinations and Five Basic Structures (Mintzberg)

Strategic Apex Technostructure Operating Core Middle Line Support Staff Directive Supervision Stand. of Work Stand. of Skills Stand. of Outputs Mutual Adjustment Simple Structure Machine Bur. Professional Bur. Divisional Form Adhocracy

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Loose Coupling Perspective

Loose couplings are structural connections among school units in the bureaucratic structure. Ex. the administration of a school has little influence on what is happening in the classroom. Schools are complex organizations with both tight and loose structural connections.

Bureaucracies tend to be tightly structured. Professional organizations tend to be more loosely structured.
Tight coupling promotes limits discretion of teachers. Loose coupling enhances discretion of teachers.

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Professional and Bureaucratic Orientations

Professional Orientation
Expertise Objective perspective Impersonal approach Service to clients

Bureaucratic Orientation
Expertise Objective perspective Impersonal approach Service to the organization

Sources of Compatibility between Orientations

Sources of Conflict between Orientations Colleague reference group Autonomy in decision making Self-imposed control Hierarchical orientation Disciplined compliance Subordinated to the organization

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Questions/Comments

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