systems theory and organizing

Systems theory is grounded in the organism metaphor for organizations (although the application of organizations as systems can implicate the machine metaphor as well). As the authors of the text note in Chapter 2, systems theory encourages communication scholars to examine the larger environment in which organizations are embedded. Although this theory has its drawbacks, such as the emphasis on unity and harmony, it provides a way to take a more macro view of organizational life.

The notion of equifinality underscores one of the problems with highly bureaucratic structures. Equifinality suggests that there are multiple ways to reach the same endpoint and the starting point doesn't determine the endpoint. When applied at a micro level to teaching, this means all instructors teaching a particular course can have the same learning objectives but have different ways to achieve them. The trend toward assessment and standardization of course curriculum runs counter to equifinality. Although this trend has been well entrenched in K-12 for some time, it's just beginning to occur at the college level as well. For example, in the upper-division writing class in my department, all instructors use the same syllabus with the same assignments. I find this trend discouraging.