organisational structure - HR Flashcards
Components of internal structure
- Layers of hierarchy
- Chains of command
- Levels of responsibility
- Span of control
Factors that determine internal structure
-Views of management.
-Communication systems.
-The industry.
-Traditions of the business.
-Skills of the workforce.
what must happen to achieve a flat structure
delayering must occur. Delayering means the removal of whole layers of hierarchy and management. This is normally achieved through compulsory redundancy programmes.
what are matrix strutures
Matrix structures attempt to organise the management of different tasks in a way that cuts across traditional departmental boundaries.
This structure enables people with particular specialist skills to work together in project teams.
Each individual in the team will have their own responsibility for certain aspects of the project, but they will be working together to achieve a specific objective.
what is Tall hierarchical structures
organisation or system with multiple level of authority, many layers of managment or supervision with clear lines of communication and decision making.
advantages of tall structures
Control is at the centre, and senior management fully understand exactly who does what, and what their responsibilities are.
Paths of communication and responsibility are clearly defined.
Departments understand their position in relation to other departments within the organisation.
Each worker knows how they fit into the organisational structure
disadvantages of tall structures
Senior management are distanced from those who implement decisions.
What senior managers perceive as being the case may, in reality, be very different.
Vertical communication is difficult, with information that is received by management distorted by the layers it must pass through.
Very long chains of communication could even mean that instructions are out of date by the time they are received.
Communication between different departments is hampered by the lack of direct contact between departments.
Flat hierarchical structures advantages
There is increased motivation as a result of the delegation of authority.
Decisions are made more quickly by those nearest the ‘ground’.
Communication is quicker and suffers less distortion.
There is empowerment of workers.
disadvantages of flat staructues
There is a loss of central control of the workforce.
Different departments may not be working to the same objectives.
advanatges of matrix structures
It allows individuals with specific skills to contribute to a number of different projects.
It breaks down barriers to communication and ensures that projects can be better coordinated.
It helps ideas and innovation spread throughout the business.
There is more efficient use of human resources.
The structure can improve flexibility and the motivation of employees.
disadvantages of matrix structures
Defining what each employee’s main responsibilities are is difficult – being answerable to two bosses may put a lot of strain on individuals.
Placing too great a burden on individuals may slow down decision-making.
Project management using a matrix structure can be expensive because extra support systems, such as ICT and office staff, may be required.
Coordinating a team drawn from a number of different departments may be difficult as the culture and methods of operation in each department may be very different.
Factors that determine internal structure
-Views of management.
-Communication systems
-The industry.
-Traditions of the business.
features of a Narrow span of control
-allows for closer supervision of employees
-more layers in the hierarchy may be required
-helps more effective communication
features of a Wide span of control
-gives subordinates the chance for more independence
-more appropriate if labour costs are significant
spans of control depend on………
- personality/ skill/ experience of the manager
- size/ complexity of the business
- whether the business is centralised or decentralised
- the extent of use of clear objectives throughout the
