The leadership theory developed by Bolman and Deal (2008) is made up of four frames. “A frame is…a set of ideas and assumptions – that you carry in your head to help you understand and negotiate a particular ‘territory’” (Bolman & Deal, 2008, p. 11). The four major frames are: structural, human resource, political, and symbolic. Each frame offers a different perspective in how to understand a situation.
The structural lens focuses on the architecture of organization including goals and policies. There are six underlying assumptions connected to this frame, including “organizations exist to achieve established goals and objectives…[and] structures must be designed to fit an organization’s current circumstances” (Bolman & Deal, 2008, p. 47). The metaphor Bolman and Deal (2008) use to depict the structural approach is a factory since organizations differentiate and integrate work by establishing a wide array of specialized groups and units based on knowledge or skill, time, product, customers/clients, location, and process. Challenges appear when structure does not align with the present circumstances. Restructuring, also known as reengineering, is a way to address structural dilemmas through structural change.…show more content… There are four underlying assumptions connected to this frame, including “organizations exist to serve human needs rather than the converse…[and] people and organizations need each other” (Bolman & Deal, 2008, p. 122). The metaphor Bolman and Deal (2008) use to depict the human resources lens is a family since organizations can be viewed as an extended family, comprised of employees with their own human needs such as physiological and esteem. Problems arise when individuals do not find meaning and satisfaction in their work. High-involvement strategies, including protecting jobs and open-book management, are ways to address human capital