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In organic organizations, different elements relate to each other in healthy, mutually supportive ways that recognize each to be a valuable part of the whole. Every part exists by virtue of every other part. (Systemic Approach Toward Structural Integrity) In fact, the quality of interconnectedness of organic systems is the same as it is with the organic system that we are most familiar with – our bodies. |
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Just as our respiratory system is integrated and coordinated with our circulatory system, our corporate systems must be integrated and coordinated with each other. But unlike bureaucratic organizations that rely on formal reporting hierarchies, chains of command, rules and procedures to standardize, integrate and coordinate; organic systems operate in a much more natural, informal way (which is not to say in an unregulated way). (Organic Coordination) |
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In bureaucracies, people perform according to established procedures that are set by their superiors. Complexity increases constantly as new procedures are added to the list to handle all the possibilities. Through it all, everyone tries to do exactly what is expected of them – nothing more and nothing less. If there is one person you must satisfy while working in a bureaucratic system, it is the person with the bigger desk than your own (your superior). |
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In organic organizational structures, people perform according to established principles, which are developed by the organization as a whole to act as beacons that guide every decision made. Here, complexity decreases constantly as employees learn how to apply the principles to more and more diverse situations, or alter them, as change requires. |
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Through it all, everyone tries to constantly improve and pass on what they have learned to each other. If there is one person you must satisfy while working in an organic business environment, it is the person on the other side of your desk (your customer). |
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Organic systems are necessary for today’s companies, which do not have stability as an option, much less as an ideal. Change is the only constant. Mastering change requires an organizational structure that allows for ten-thousand times more responsiveness and accommodation than the best bureaucracy could ever muster – much as it would like to. |
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This can be accomplished by implementing organic systems of integration and coordination. In these kinds of work environments, if you need information from someone, you do not go through the hierarchy to get it — you go right to the source. If you are considering an action that may impact others, you involve them in the action right from the start. If you have gained an insight that may be useful to someone else, you deliver it to him or her. |
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In short, everyone in organic systems work with each other, regardless of who their boss is or what department they are in. They just do what it takes to get the job done, because they all know who the most important person is. That person is the customer, and customers do not want stability or uniformity. Customers want customized, tailor-made excellence, and they want it ASAP. Only organic systems can deliver this, because only they can adjust to the constantly evolving definition of excellence. |
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