Karen+-+Positivism

[|BWI Parking Structure] The parking structure at the Baltimore-Washington International Airport reflects a positivist approach through its architectural design. As Donaldson states, "organizational change is caused by the objective, situational conditions, so that fostering change entails changing those conditions (p.57)." The frustration of finding a parking place in a large structure (driving up and down aisles, going to different levels, looking for empty spots) is the condition. The situation was changed by creating a structure that allows for the steady flow of traffic by building ascending and descending traffic spirals. Drivers only exit the spiral on a level they choose instead if having to go through each level. Levels are marked with the number of available spaces visible before the driver has to exit the spiral. Once on the level, the available spaces are illuminated by green lights above the space. Cars parked then trigger the light to go out. This way, drivers can go directly to available spots. The ease of finding a parking place is enhanced and the time to find a space is minimized as cars are efficiently led through the structure. The link provides a visual of the structure.

[|Kalahari Resort] The Kalahari Resort in Wisconsin Dells supports Donaldson's thought that functionalism explains why positivism works. The situation determines the decision so that the only decisions to be made are those that best fit the structure. In other words, "the decision makers are using organizational effectiveness as the criteron...(p. 45)." The situation in this case involves a highly competitive market - waterparks, hotels, restaurants. The Kalahari was the first to incorporate all of the amenities and attractions of the Dells into one location with indoor and outdoor waterparks, suites and condos in addition to rooms, activities for families on site, restaurants on site, and an attached amusement park and movie theater all leading consumers to one location for their vacation needs. This reflects the cause and effect element of positivism. The Kalahari website illustrates the comprehensive approach of the organization.

[|Miller Park] Positivism is characterized by its order, rationale and objectivity (outlined in class power point). Miller Park is an example of all three elements. The Brewer organization objectively created a venue to serve major league baseball and the Milwaukee market. When you build something new you learn from the old - seating, placement of bathrooms, parking, concessions,etc. Specific examples include seating and the roof. The seating "represents a split-bowl concept where seating levels hang over others slightly, bringing fans closer to the action on the field" and dome roof is retractable "to protect against the cool weather in Wisconsin during the spring and fall (Munsey, Suppey, 2007)." The Miller Park construction process reflects the positivist approach.

Week 1 - Positivism