Surviving Chaos in Organizations

By Janice M. Spangenburg

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• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Jan 25, 2008
• ISBN: 9781469122748

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Copyright © 2008 by Janice M. Spangenburg and Laurie L. Barnes.

ISBN:      Hardcover      978-1-4257-6934-5

                Softcover        978-1-4257-6927-7

                eBook             978-1-4691-2274-8

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

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Contents

FOREWORD AND ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

INTRODUCTION

THE TALE OF TWO ORGANIZATIONS

D-DAY-DOWNSIZING

THE SEASON OF THE WITCH

SABOTAGE AND THE EYE OF THE STORM

THE FALLING METEOR

MICROMANAGEMENT MAXIMUS

THE MENTAL CHANGE OF MEETINGS

GROUP THINK GIRLS

THE COVER OF THE MAGAZINE

TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT (TQM) IN AN IMPERFECT WORLD

THE THEORY OF BAD APPLES— WHEN LEADERSHIP IS LACKING

THE MANDATORY INTERN MEETING

THE IN-HUMANE HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT

PSEUDO-EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY—WHEN SOMETHING POSITIVE BACKFIRES

A SEASON OF CHANGE

THE IMPORTANCE OF MATCHING VALUES

HARD WORK CRITICIZED

PSEUDO TRANSFORMATIONAL LEADERS IN ACADEMIA

WHEN EDUCATION DOES NOT MATTER

CONCLUSION

REFERENCES

DEDICATIONS

In my life I have met some very wonderful heroes that have given me that solid support that carried me throughout my life and through my challenges in organizations. Some of the most excellent people in my life are Col Iron Mike Williams, USMC, Retired, CDR Deborah Oakes, USN, retired and LtCol Pam Garcia, USMC, Retired who all gave me inspiration and taught me much over the years. Thanks to Laurie Barnes who has been a delight to know and who agreed to join me in writing this book to enlighten others about what can be learned from organizational chaos.

Janice M. Spangenburg, Ph.D

It is with great respect and admiration that I would like to recognize my mom, Elnora H. Barnes, for the lifetime of support that she has given me. She always viewed my stubbornness as a determination to achieve and her confidence in me has never waned through the years. This has been foundational to my success and endless desire to pursue my dreams. To my grandfather, Morris C. Holland, the love and guidance he has always shown cannot be measured. To my friend, Janice M. Spangenburg, the ongoing support and enlightening conversation keeps me focused and motivated. I whole-heartedly thank each of them!

Laurie L. Barnes

FOREWORD AND

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

For years I have wanted to bring a message to those who are in this place in their careers. I chose to integrate some of the finer points of organizations in scenarios with a fictional light pulling in authors that have studied and crafted theories around organizations and the treatment of people. I dedicate this work to all of the unsung heroes who have gone the distance and have survived to make it to the other side of these situations. The character, Sam, is the perfect personality with the necessary gall and steadfastness to go through this and tell this story.

Janice M. Spangenburg, Ph.D

Organizational experiences can have a profound impact on each member, regardless of position. When an organization seems chaotic, it can become increasingly stressful and difficult to withstand. I dedicate this work to every employee currently suffering through this chaos while searching for the best solution. There are always options!

Laurie L. Barnes, MBA

INTRODUCTION

Throughout the years we all have encountered challenges that we have faced each day of our work lives. These challenges have engrained themselves in us and have etched many lessons learned that stay with us throughout our careers. When we are dealing with them we find that this must be the bottom of the darkest pit but realize that there is meaning that accompanies this feeling of bleakness. When we emerge from this we are able to use this experience to ascend to the next level or to assist others to guide them in a direction that is best for them. It has been our experience that once we have dealt with these experiences that we want to help others avoid them. This is the intent of these vignettes that have been a part of our learning curves and tools to enable our success and survival. These are vignettes in the form of a parody of the situation, organization or the manager. Each tells its own unique story