East Los Angeles College Observation Essay

The Organizational structure at East Los Angeles College (ELAC) is considered to be a functional structure, “in which the organization is divided into smaller groups based on specialized functional area”. For example, every specialized functional area has a hierarchy structure that faculty follows in order follow proper protocol. From my observation, while working at my ELAC, I have noticed that in order to get things approved such as events, projects, etc., it needs to be approved by at least two or three people usually the Dean and Vice President before we can get the ball rolling. That can be frustrating at times because it takes so much time to get a response. Another thing that I noticed while working at ELAC is that some departments

I say this because in order for results to be achieved all faculty needs to revert back to the mission of the college and share the same values and beliefs. Because shared values have a strong influence on the how people go about performing their jobs, I believe that it provides guidelines. Emphasis on outcomes and people is something that is highly empathized at ELAC from all levels and through on-campus collaborations, I have learned how crucial teamwork is in achieving those outcomes. Another thing that has stood out to me while working at ELAC is the resistance that senior faculty has for Change. Change is inevitable but it is difficult for senior faculty to accept new innovative ideas such new operating systems due to challenges of having to learn something totally foreign. More importantly, for organizational cultural changes to be embraced college-wide the effort must begin at the top. I honestly believe that in order for faculty and staff to become engaged in the process, the president needs to be leading the charge. The president and upper administration are the change agents; they are the coaches and the communicators to help employees understand that they are in charge of the culture rather than a victim of the