Introduction –Kurt Lewin said, “In order to understand how an organization works, try to change it”. Development and use of a strategy to analyze and understand organizational behavior is a key element of the course. In this unit, one of several such strategies will be taught and learned. Students will learn the origin and application of Bolman and Deal’s “4 Frames”, view examples of the use of the frames to “reframe” organizational behavior, and come to understand their own tendencies through a self-assessment exercise. A reflection exercise will ask them to use what they have learned toward the solving of a problem in their own organizations. Unit Learning Goals – When you finish this unit, you will be able to:Identify and define the “4 Frames” (Structural, Human Resource, Political, Symbolic), and give examples of their use in organizations.Describe the frames as you view film clips of organizations and individuals encountering problems and undergoing change.Describe and analyze your own tendencies regarding use of the frames, after experiencing a self-assessment exercise using the frames.Write a reflective paragraph bringing prior experience to the concept of 4 Frames, and apply the concept to the student’s current and future organization life.
Questions to be answered before class as you complete the reading assignment:What are Bolman and Deal’s”4 Frames?” How does an understanding of the frames help a leader to change an organization, or to improve performance? Are some frames utilized more than others to influence organizations? If so, which ones? Why is this so? Where do you believe your strengths and weaknesses lie, as you contemplate the use of the frames in your professional life? Summary of Key Points:The 4 Frames are a useful conceptual model to assist in the analysis of organizational behavior, especially the behavior of the leader.Skillful leaders use the Symbolic and Political Frames more extensively and effectively than those less skillful.Most leadership training programs (and graduate degree and credential courses) focus on the frames already used skillfully – Structural and Human Resource frames.Organizations in urban settings often exist in a highly political environment, thus requiring greater skills in this area to survive, much less to be effective. click for download