Mission and systems theory-1-2 2017.pptx

Importance of mission statements to nonprofit organizations.

1. Mission and Nonprofit Orgs

2. Mission Definition of mission? Remember from Lewis that Mission is the prime directive (Star Trek) of an organization Brown and Iverson discuss the different ways mission can be enacted – Defenders vs. Prospectors Mission statements define an organization, its values, and approach to the world. The statement is not the mission, though. “Often, the mission statement attracts clients, donors, funders, employees, and volunteers to an organization” (Brown & Yoshioka, 2003, p. 5) “Contrary to the implementation practices of most organizations, Mission Statements require incorporation into the hour-by-hour activities of the organization” ( Fairhurst , et al., 1997. p. 244).

3. Mission management When do people manage the meanings of mission statements? How do they manage them? Why do they manage those meanings?

4. Look at Discussion and Practical Implications section. What meanings do you get? What questions could you ask for your paper?

5. But first, a little Systems theory

6. An organismic metaphor that uses natural science concepts to understand the complexity and interconnectedness of organizations (internally and externally). Components Hierarchical ordering (sub and super) Interdependence-functioning in 1 impacts others Permeability-moves across/through boundaries

7. Properties Holism : A system is “ more than the sum of its parts ” i.e . synergy Equifinality : A system can reach a final goal or state by a variety of means or ways Negative Entropy: Ability to sustain and grow as an organization. Entropy : Describes a closed system. i.e. asbestos industry An open system has the ability to innovate and fight against entropy - “ healing ” Requisite Variety : Relationship between system & the environment. Internal workings of the system must be as diverse & complicated as its environment

8. Looks like more Systems Theory For New Science (Complexity, Chaos, CAS)Not a “ goal ” toward Equilibrium Predictability is not certain Patterns are complex, uncertain, yet useable Complex systems offer chances for dampening (self-correction), amplification (cascade effects), and multiple outcomes from similar sets of activities and circumstances.

9. Chaos Chaos is the irregular, uncertain, discontinuous aspect of change within the confines of a patterned whole Chaotic behavior occurs within definable parameters A nonlinear system in a chaotic phase does not retrace previous identifiable sequences of behavior. Studies of chaos, however, reveal an underlying order or structure in such behavior

10. Chaos

11. John Henry Clippinger, 1999

12. Chaotic behavior is not inherently negative behavior. Chaos is simply a mathematical description of the temporal behavior of a system The existence of apparent...disorder, or chaos, in a system does not necessarily mean that the system is malfunctioning or headed toward disintegration. Instead, chaos may represent exploration of a variety of possibilities...to adapt to changing circumstances (Kiel, 1993, p. 153 ).

13. Complex Adaptive Systems

14. From a CAS perspective, all self-organizing systems are poised between two poles: too much order and too much chaos. CAS research into this problem has shown that every complex system has its "sweet spot" (Kauffman, 1993)—the place between excessive disorder and excessive order, at the "edge of chaos," where the system is maximally responsive to the variety of its environment but sufficiently structured that it can act and perpetuate itself (see Figure 1.1).

15. Consider These Flocks of birds Murmuration Patterns of organizing

16. To summarize, Mission is an enactment by members ( Fairhurst et al. say foot soldiers) to accomplish the mission. The Mission statement is an articulation of the mission that becomes a tool (structure) for managing the mission. Mission meaning can be managed (not controlled) by strategic engagement in meaning management Mission attachment is complex and impacts intent to stay (among other factors on both sides of that).