In a minimum of 100 words, comment on the discussion statement below. If a question is posed in the initial statement, the questions will not count as part of the comment. A general like or dislike for the statement will not be counted as part of the word requirement. All comments and questions are to be civil in nature.
The organization that I have chosen to analyze is Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). I have been a Civil Service employee at SIUE for over three years and have. SIUE is a public university in Illinois. The University is part of a larger group, the SIU System. The SIU System is comprised of Southern Illinois University Carbondale, SIU School of Medicine, and SIUE. The SIU System operates under a bureaucratic model; each campus reports to their own Chancellor who reports to the SIU System President, Randy Dunn. SIUE’s Chancellor, Randall Pembrook, oversees four different divisions: Academic Affairs, Administration, Student Affairs, and University Advancement. A Vice Chancellor with a team of Directors for each subordinate department runs each of these divisions.
The purpose of SIUE is to offer a broad range of academic programs while fulfilling their mission and maintaining the University values. SIUE adopted their current mission statement in 2013:
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a student-centered educational community dedicated to communicating, expanding and integrating knowledge. In a spirit of collaboration enriched by diverse ideas, our comprehensive and unique array of undergraduate and graduate programs develops professionals, scholars and leaders who shape a changing world. (SIUE, 2018)
The size of SIUE has an impact on the formalization of the organizational structure. Not only is enrollment a large number at SIUE, there are thousands of University employees. The organizational structure is very formalized and tall. The size of the University necessitates this to remain organized and functioning smoothly. There are different types of employees within the University, and there is a very standardized hiring process. This also benefits the University because of amount of employees. By streamlining the procedure and process, the University can continue to function with each employee performing their specialized skill or duties.
The social environment also plays a big part in the organization of the University. SIUE values include diversity and inclusion. Both of these values require additional support to succeed. By creating departments specifically designed to monitor the success of the implementation of these social values, the University is able to be a success in the community.
Technology influences productivity of employees. In the Division of Student Affairs, many different departments have access to software that allows the staff to work effectively together and cut down on wait time for document transfers. Technology does not necessarily influence the way the organization or division is structured, but it does influence how well the formal structure works. We now have a centralized system that all files and documents are scanned in to. Permissions are required to view specific documents, and different departments have limited access, but by utilizing a centralized content management system, the employees are able to work within their specialization and requirements. We are also able to easily share information upward with supervisors, Directors, and Vice Chancellors. This connectedness allows for continued productiveness and accountability by providing each staff member with what they need to provide excellent services to the students and community.
Refrerences:
SIUE. (2018). Fact book: Institutional Research and Studies. SIUE. Edwardsville, IL. siue.edu/factbook.