UCSB Organization Case Study

In order to understand how the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) operates as a complex organization, it is important to understand what defines an organization. Organizations are “collectives that are oriented toward a pursuit of relatively specific goals and exhibit a relatively high degree of formalization” (Lecture). Within their mission statement, UCSB mentions that it is “a leading research institution that also provides a comprehensive liberal arts learning experience” (UCSB Mission Statement) where students embark on “an education journey of discovery that stimulates independent thought, critical reasoning, and creativity” (UCSB Mission Statement). While these goals may be broad as to who qualifies as part of the organization of UCSB, there is a high degree of formalization that aids UCSB to achieve their goals effectively and efficiently.

As an organization, UCSB obtains campus policies and procedures and student conduct regulations as a method to govern students, faculty and administration, and even non-members of UCSB. Because UCSB’s rules and regulations are not verbal, but written in the form of memos and emails, it creates an accountability for individuals to follow those rules and regulations. Even though these rules and regulations are specific, they are not geared towards a specific person, thus it is the responsibility of the individuals to not violate boundaries in order to maintain their role in UCSB. Similar to any other university, academic achievement for students is a high priority and UCSB monitors it by ensuring students will face reprimands if there is any form of academic dishonesty. Specific rules, like academic integrity, ensures UCSB is able to achieve their