Conceptualizing the Goal and System Models of Organizational Effectiveness ?Implications for Comparative Evaluation Research

Abstract

The lack of comparative evaluation research on organizational-effixtivcness models is the primary focus of this discussion. Problems in conceptually and operationally defining evaluation models, such as those in the goal and system model classes, are the proposed reason for this lack of comparative research.In this paper, goal and system models are formally defined in terms of their historical origins, underlying criteria and differing methods of application. A goal and system model classification continuum is also presented. Five comparative evaluation research questions are proposed and their implications for research are discussed. From a theoretical perspective this paper attempts to go beyond the sound foundation laid by Campbell (1977) in his discussion of these two schools of thought on organizational effectiveness.

Leadership Research: Where Irrelevance Prevails

“…The lack of comparative evaluation research on organisational effectiveness models was addressed by Strasser et al (1981). They have focused on the problems in conceptually and operationally defining evaluation models in reference to the two schools of thought on organisational effectiveness, being the goal and system models.…”

“…According to Hiller et al (2011) leadership is a driving force to accomplish goals. Strasser et al (1981) have argued that all managers in one way or another either implicitly or explicitly evaluate their organisation's performance periodically or even continuously.…”

“…In other words, effectiveness is defined as goal attainment. Strasser et al (1981) did ask: 'Which model offers the evaluated organisation' managers the most useful feedback?' The argument brought forward here is the goal model.…”

Dynamic management of the environmental enterprise: a qualitative analysis

“…Model integrates several other organization effectiveness approaches including the Systems Resource (Cunningham, 1978;Shribeman, 1985, Yuchtman andSeashore, 1967), Internal Process (Frost et al, 1985;Ostroff and Schmitt, 1993), and Goal approaches (Strasser et al, 1981) (see Daft, 1995). In the DSP Model, these three approaches apply, respectively, to the resource acquisition, employee relations and technical mastery issues.…”

The evaluation of treatment services and systems for substance use disorders

“…System-level outcome evaluation also focuses on the functioning of the system, often emphasizing system coordination. Some evaluation strategies are based on general systems theory while others are goaloriented 54,55 . Evaluations that take a general systems theory approach concentrate on such aspects as system integration; the clarity of boundaries with other health and social service systems; the system's capacity to respond to change; the efficiency with which people move into, through and out of the system; and the extent of cooperation among participating service providers.…”