Organizational structure and culture

Organizational structure and culture

Organizational Structure

  • Insight into types of organizational structures: hierarchical, flat, matrix, and network.
  • Importance of hierarchical structure with lines of authority, clear roles & responsibilities, and reporting lines.
  • Explaining flat structure, where there are only a few levels - fosters collaboration, encourages empowerment.
  • Understanding the matrix structure, a blend of functional and project-based organisational structures.
  • The concept of a network structure, an organisation that outsources most of its operations and functions.
  • Illustrating how organizational charts visualise structure and relationships within an organisation.

Influence of Structure on Operations

  • How hierarchical structures may lead to more stable operations but slower decision-making.
  • Contrast that with flat structures, which can speed decision-making but may cause ambiguity in roles.
  • Influence of matrix structures on operational flexibility, resource sharing, and balance in power dynamics.
  • Understanding how network structures may accelerate operation through strategic outsourcing.

Organisational Culture

  • Comprehending what is meant by organisational culture - the values, behaviours, and shared vision that characterise an organisation.
  • Identifying the four types of culture: Power culture, Role culture, Task culture, and Person culture.
  • Impact of power culture where the power is centralised with a key figure. Decisions are swift but lack broad perspectives.
  • Understanding role culture where individuals have clearly defined roles within a hierarchical structure - fosters stability, but may lack creativity.
  • The nature of task culture, promoting team-based responsibilities directed towards completion of task or project - encourages collaboration, but success largely depends on team dynamics.
  • Examination of person culture where individuals are given importance over the company. Maximises employee satisfaction, but may lack objective direction.

Influence of Culture on Performance

  • Exhibit how a strong, positive organisational culture can boost employee morale, drive brand loyalty, and improve performance.
  • Demonstrate that a negative or conflicting culture could lead to employee dissatisfaction, high turnover, and poor performance.
  • How navigation of global business requires understanding and adapting to different organisational cultures.
  • The importance of strong leadership in defining and driving organisational culture.

Remember, an effective organisational structure and a robust culture are pillars of successful business dynamics, ensuring smooth operations, effective decision-making, positive employee morale, and a conducive work environment. Organisations envisaging long-term business sustainability must give due importance to getting these elements right.