Examine organizational structures and models of an organization in a Case Study
Key Learning Outcomes
By the end of the case, students should be able to:
- Understand what organizational structures and models are.
- Understand the various organizational structures and models and how they impact the efficiency and development of any company
- Apply organizational structure to practice
1.0 INTRODUCTION
An organization is an entity that exists such as a company with the sole purpose of achieving the set goals and objectives. Such organizations consist of a team of members who ensure that the main objective of the company is achieved. According to Armstrong’s Handbook of Human Resource Management Practice, in an organization, decision-making and task responsibility are bestowed upon individual members and teams who plan, direct, coordinate, and control all the activities of the company. Organizations are regarded as open system that modifies inputs into outcomes that are continually depended on by the surrounding people.
Among the basic factors that influence the organization are those related to structure, relationships, and interdependence. Researchers at Tavistock Institute developed the socio-technical model which resulted in the formulation of the basic open systems theory which is to the effect that in any organizational system, task facets are consistent with the human or social facets which focus on the relationships between the technical processes of transformation in the organization along with the organization of work groups and the management structure of the organization.
This essay is going to critically analyze the organizational structures and models of an organization. Organizational structure refers to the various ways through which an organization's activities are organized and conducted. Understanding organizational structures and how they work helps an organization in making or drafting informed and strategic decisions at the workplace that will help it achieve its set goals and objectives. These structures highly determine the productivity of an organization. The organizational structure facilitates decision-making in an organization and also ensures that the organization reacts properly to both the external and internal factors affecting the organization.
Basically, organizational structures can be classified as functional, divisional, flatarchy, and matrix. The unitary structure or hierarchical structure is the most common structure used in organizations, it can be termed as a single and separate unit without any divisions where there is open communication between the employer and employees. However, such key functions may vary from one organization to another. This essay will examine and understand the various organizational structures and models of an organization.