Put into short academic paragraph also citing and including a reference in apa format.

Respond to a colleague who chose a different organizational theory than you did. Respectfully agree or disagree with their analysis and identify an additional strength or limitation of the theory.

This is the collegue post. I chose classical theory.

One organizational theory that resonates with me as a school social worker and emerging clinical professional is systems theory. Rooted in the concept that an organization is a complex and interdependent system, this theory emphasizes that each part of the organization affects the whole and must be understood in context (Dziak, 2020). In social work, systems theory aligns naturally with our ecological perspective, viewing clients and organizations as part of a broader, interconnected environment.

A key strength of systems theory is its emphasis on relationships and feedback loops, which allows for a holistic understanding of agency function. For instance, if communication breaks down between leadership and front-line staff, systems theory helps pinpoint how that breakdown influences morale, service delivery, and client outcomes. According to Furman, Gibelman, and Winnett (2020), this theory supports practitioners in navigating human service agencies by fostering awareness of how power, policy, and practice intersect at multiple organizational levels.

However, the limitation of systems theory is its broad scope, which can make it difficult to identify specific solutions for day-to-day operational challenges. It provides a framework for understanding dynamics but does not always offer clear guidance for decision-making or addressing urgent structural barriers such as budget constraints or staff turnover.

I am particularly drawn to systems theory because it aligns with my professional values of collaboration, client-centered care, and equity. Working in a school environment where multiple systemseducational, behavioral, family, and communityintersect daily, systems theory encourages me to consider the ripple effect of my interventions. Whether addressing chronic absenteeism, student homelessness, or advocating for trauma-informed policies, this framework helps me see the bigger picture and act intentionally within it.

In practice, systems theory challenges me to think beyond silos, advocate across disciplines, and remain solution-focused, which is essential in the complex landscape of school social work.Organizational Theory is the study of the elements of how groups of people achieve a common goal (Dziak, 2024). Neoclassical theory is a reformed view of the Classical Theory, considering the differences of workers first, instead of as an afterthought. The work experience is then tailored to the worker's different needs, wants, and skills to benefit the worker and the organization. The individualized work experience may place individual needs above the organization's mission and rely heavily on worker rationale and decision-making for productivity (Dziak, 2024). I'm drawn to this theory because of its emphasis on the importance of human relationships. Considering each worker's work habits can improve efficiency by emphasizing their skills, improving team morale, and support. In conjunction with my democratic leadership style, managing under a neoclassical system would be a suitable match.