[Current Issues]

UNDERSTANDING ORGANISATIONS:
IDENTIFYING TRENDS AND CHANGES

Bruce Millett & Satrina Harvey
12/03/99

ABSTRACT

Understanding the impact of complex environmental forces that influence organisational performance has become a necessity for managers. This paper demonstrates that demography, identity and technology are significant factors that influence the business environment at the global level. These three factors are central to the emergence of two macro trends, globalisation and post-Fordism. In recent times, organisational responses to these macro trends have included downsizing, mergers and acquisitions, and out-sourcing. It is argued that these strategies are rarely effective because of their impact on organisational dynamics and their focus on cost cutting.

KEYWORDS
Organisational change; globalisation, trends     
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For further information regarding this article contact:    millett@usq.edu.au