Like most large organizations, mine is complex and complicated. It is at times framed in one way and then another. It can be difficult to identify just one operational frame and even more surprisingly, I have watched the frame change as I've moved within the organization. Making me wonder if the frame changes or is it just my perception and understanding that changes.
As a faculty member my organization was framed as structural. The hierarchy was formal and well defined with specific divisions of labor and responsibilities. The first level was teaching faculty, then program coordinators, department chairs, deans and vice president. Instructional Services is a large division. The structural framework worked well as a means of clear order for resolving issues and accomplishing objectives. There was a clear set of objectives for each faculty member and a chain of command for handling problems and conflict. Faculty work pretty independently of each other as well as the organization. Change happened within the classroom. Any groups that did exist were based on the commonality of subject matter. Actually, I had little interest in the frame of the organization beyond my teaching.
As I have moved into other areas of the college, I am able to identify different frames. What I now see, as an administrator, is that my organization operates internally in a political frame and externally as symbolic frame. The symbolic frame is a constant - regardless of my position in the college.
The political frame is apparent in the decision making body of my organization. There are six administrators, representing six different divisions, they meet weekly to make decisions regarding the strategic direction of the college. Most discussions are driven by the divergent
interests of each division. This has a lot to do with a tight budget and the scarcity of resources. Each is fighting for his/her share of the pie. And trying not to lose anything either. There is some acknowledgement of the interdependence of all of the divisions, but that is, in general, not the overwhelming guide. Meeting days are filled with phones calls and closed door meetings as each attempts to build coalitions related to agenda items.
The common frame that I have observed, regardless of my position in the organization, is symbolic. We have a very positive presence in the community. We continue to serve as a symbol of hope and reassurance for many.
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It is interesting to hear the different responses from the class. There is much more variety than I expected. I don't get out of my "bubble" much :)
ReplyDeleteInteresting how you stated....political internally and symbolic externally. Seems to be reflective of many organizations and the path we are headed.
Maybe I missed it, but where was the Human Frame? I not casting stones, and the symbol of hope is great for the school. I was just curious if your divisions are so focused on the true, overwhelming issue of budget that they sometimes forget the reason for the college. I always try to gently remind faculty, staff, and K-12 folks when I was in that arena, Schools/Colleges are built for the education of students not the employment of adults.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you do a great job of dancing the tightrope hung between your frames.
The Human Frame is always there co-existing within the other frames. In our particular organization, It varies how it's played out. Overall, I think we are pretty good at allowing people to be creative and independent thinkers. I also believe we are fair as it relates to compensation and opportunities. We keep students and their education at the forefront, but in all honesty, sometimes we are more driven by the internal workings of our organization and the constraints of budgets. Many times, it's an interesting dance. We get mixed messages from our administration on our priorities so you see inconsistencies from one department to another relating to the internal human frame - how we treat our employees as well as the external human frame - our students.
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