Question

The open systems perspective of organizational behaviour states that ________.

1) organizations take their sustenance from the environment and in turn affect that environment.
2) organizations can operate efficiently by focussing on what they do best and ignoring changes in the external environment.
3) people are the only important and valued organizational input.
4) organizations should be viewed as machines with one working part.
5) All of the answers are correct.

Answer 1

The open systems perspective of organizational behaviour indicates that organizations are sustained by the environment and simultaneously impact it through their exchanges of resources and information.

Step-by-step explanation:

The open systems perspective of organizational behaviour states that organizations take their sustenance from the environment and in turn affect that environment. This perspective emphasizes that an organization cannot operate effectively by solely focusing on internal processes and ignoring the external environmental changes. Instead, it has to be open to and interact with its surroundings, taking in resources, such as materials and information, and giving back to the environment through various forms of output.

The concept of open systems in organizational behaviour aligns with the principles found in biological systems, where organisms constantly interact with and adapt to their environment. This includes both abiotic and biotic factors that can influence the entity's ability to survive and function. Similarly, organizations must engage in an ongoing exchange with their environment to remain viable and competitive, adapting to market demands, technological advancements, and societal trends.

Hence, the correct answer to the student's question is that the open systems perspective of organizational behaviour states that organizations take their sustenance from the environment and, in turn, affect that environment.