Question

Argyris's strategies for integrating individual and organizational goals include:
I. Recommending the Matrix Organization structure to replace rigid superior-subordinate relationships.
II. Utilizing T-Group Training to enhance the leader’s technical skills rather than interpersonal competence.
III. Advocating Job Enlargement to foster responsibility and utilize intellectual abilities.

Which of the following is correct?

• A. I only
• B. I and III only
• C. II and III only
• D. I, II, and III

Answer 1

Answer:

B. I and III only

Chris Argyris's Contributions to Organizational Theory

• Chris Argyris, a prominent organizational psychologist and management theorist, focused on the interplay between individuals and organizations. His work often highlighted the potential conflicts arising from the formal organizational structure and the psychological needs of mature adults.
• Argyris proposed various strategies to help organizations better integrate individual needs with organizational objectives, promoting employee growth and effectiveness.

Key Strategies and Concepts:

• I. Matrix Organization:

  Argyris recommended the adoption of organizational structures like the matrix organization. This structure departs from traditional, rigid hierarchical models by allowing employees to report to multiple managers (e.g., a functional manager and a project manager). This design aims to:

  • Replace or soften rigid superior-subordinate relationships.
  • Foster collaboration and communication across different functional areas.
  • Provide employees with more autonomy and opportunities for skill development.
  • Help integrate individual needs for autonomy and self-expression with organizational demands for specialization and coordination.
• II. T-Group Training (Sensitivity Training):
  • While T-Group training (or sensitivity training) aims to improve interpersonal skills and group dynamics, Argyris's focus was on enhancing interpersonal competence, not solely technical skills.
  • The goal of T-groups was to help individuals understand their own behavior and the behavior of others in a group setting, leading to better communication, empathy, and conflict resolution.
  • Therefore, the statement that T-Group Training is utilized to enhance the leader's technical skills rather than interpersonal competence is incorrect based on Argyris's core principles.
• III. Job Enlargement:
  • Argyris advocated for job enlargement as a means to increase employee motivation and satisfaction. Job enlargement involves expanding a job's scope by adding more tasks at the same level of difficulty.
  • This strategy is intended to:
  • Foster a greater sense of responsibility and ownership among employees.
  • Provide opportunities for employees to utilize their intellectual and problem-solving abilities more fully.
  • Counteract the potential for alienation and monotony in highly specialized jobs.
  • Align organizational tasks with the individual's need for growth and self-actualization.

Conclusion for Exam Relevance:

• Understanding Argyris's strategies is crucial for subjects related to Organizational Behavior, Human Resource Management, and Principles of Administration in competitive exams.
• Focus on the distinction between his views on T-groups (interpersonal competence) and the primary purpose of matrix structures and job enlargement (integration, responsibility, utilization of abilities).