Organizational Theory is the discussion of different perspectives that are used to think about organizations (bureaucratic and nonbureaucratic.) This theory component is important in shaping the perception and understanding of events in the schools. This theory is a "need to know" element for organizational leaders so they can think clearly about making informed decisions especially when things are ambiguous, uncertain, unclear and unknown (Owens & Valesky, 2021, 3).

The following professionals have demonstrated a stake in being founders/Supporters of school management (Organizational Theory.)

1. John Dewey: philosopher and educator

2. Edward L. Thorndike: Psychologist, known for his work nature of intelligence

3. G. Stanley Hall: psychologist and president of Clark University

4. William Heard Kilpatrick: Educator of Teachers College, Columbia University

5. Fredrick Taylor: author, army

6. Chris Argyris: American business theorist, and professor at Yale School of Management and Harvard Business School

Organizational theory studies organizations' structures, processes, and dynamics to understand how they function and can be managed effectively.

Common educational criticisms of organizational theory include:

1. Emphasis on Structure

2. Idealistic Assumptions

3. Lack of Practical Application

4. Neglect of Cultural Context

5. Resistance to Change

Additional Trends Include:

• In the 1950s, there was a backlash against progressive education. Some rejected traditional concepts of subject matter and advocated for things like Home membership, the use of leisure time, and entry-level vocational preparation.

• Critics of organized education were scrutinized by Arthur E. Bestor, who wrote Educational Wastelands: The Retreat from Learning in Our Public Schools. The idea was that the American children living in that time would not maintain or inherit international dominance.

• Vice Admiral Hyman G. Rickover foresaw the collapse of the American way in the Schools. He felt that American schools diligently and carelessly engineered education in the schools that was slowing us down as a nation.

Organizational Theory details how a school or organization operates, combining a bureaucratic (top-down) and a non-bureaucratic formation (or learning theory).

I teach a middle school where the top-down organization has laid out rules and procedures for students and staff. In addition, it incorporates child-centric learning opportunities that try to develop the whole child.

By implementing a combination of Organizational Theory styles, there is minimal subjectivity in how and what processes we use in our one-on-one daily school management system. Yet, opportunities are abundant for feedback and mutual respect amongst all employees. and some our roles as educators are more progressive.

Argyris, C. (1971). Management and organizational development. McGraw-Hill.

Bestor, A. E. (1985). Educational wastelands: The retreat from learning in our public schools. University of Illinois Press.

Olson, L. (1999, April 21). Tugging at tradition. Education Week, 25, 25.

Owens, R. G., & Valesky, T. C. (2021). Organizational Behavior in Education: Leadership and School Reform. Pearson Books.

Rickover, H. G. (1959). Education and freedom. Charles E. Dutton.

Stevens, M. (2024). [Image of critic]. Padlet. https://padlet.com/msteve2/organizational-theory-padlet-mr-stevens-70t4t7ru9pvex9jq/wish/j40PQDBJpLyzWvXB

Stevens, M. (2024). [Image of John Dewey]. Padlet. https://padlet.com/msteve2/organizational-theory-padlet-mr-stevens-70t4t7ru9pvex9jq/wish/j40PQDBJpLyzWvXB

Stevens, M. (2024). [Image of Books]. Padlet. https://padlet.com/msteve2/organizational-theory-padlet-mr-stevens-70t4t7ru9pvex9jq/wish/j40PQDBJpLyzWvXB

Stevens, M. (2024). [Image of back to school]. Padlet. https://padlet.com/msteve2/organizational-theory-padlet-mr-stevens-70t4t7ru9pvex9jq/wish/j40PQDBJpLyzWvXB

YouTube. (2024). Youtu.be. https://youtu.be/8OhYJalCx9I?si=FfymLbQgUj4SxBLA

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