Question 1. How does open systems theory apply to the Container Store?
Question 2. Review the (11) different OD models presented by Falletta, S. V. (2013) Organizational diagnostic models: an integrative review & synthesis. Organizational Intelligence Institute (www.oi-institute.com).
a. Now that you've considered the background and the strengths and weaknesses of these models, which of them do you believe would be best suited to an OD analysis of The Container Store? While you do not need to cover every characteristic of your chosen model, please be very thorough and specific in your discussion and reasoning.
Question 3. The Nadler-Tushman Congruence Model, as presented in Nadler, D. A. & Tushman, M. L. (1980). A Model for Diagnosing Organizational Behavior. Organizational Dynamics, 9 (2), 35-51, cites four Input categories:
a. Environment (factors external to the organization)
b. Resources (factors internal to the organization)
c. Organizational history (persistent traditions)
d. Strategy (goals, objectives and strategic initiatives)
Please discuss the Environment, Resources and Organizational History and Strategy inputs in the context of The Container Store.
Since the Congruence Model recognizes "Outputs" as existing at the Individual, Group, and Organizational levels, please discuss the Outputs - at all three levels -of The Container Store.
Question 4. Please provide a definition of "organizational learning."There are many, many, differing definitions of OL - and many opinions on precisely how organizations learn (or if they can even learn at all). Some notable theorists include Chris Argyris, Peter Senge, Bente Elkjaer, James G. March, Herbert A. Simon, Mark Easterbay-Smith, and Fiol & Lyles, among innumerable others.
a. Is there a difference between the notion of "Organizational Learning" (OL) and that of the "Learning Organization" (LO)? Are we anthropomorphizing (great word!) organizations when we say that they "learn"?
b. Please describe the extent to which you believe The Container Store is also a "Learning Organization." If so, how does The Container Store "learn"? What has The Container Store "learned," and through what mechanism(s)?