2.2 organisational structure

• What is the main point of the class on organizational structures?

  Learning about different ways organizations structure their human resources and the impacts of these structures
• What are the four parts of the class on organizational structures?

  1. Key terms for understanding organizational structures
  2. Different types of organization charts
  3. Impact of external environment on organizational structures
  4. Discussion of change for higher level students
• Why is it important to learn key terms before discussing organizational structures?

  Key terms provide a foundation for understanding organizational structures
• What does delegation mean in an organizational context?

  Delegation is the passing on of responsibilities and tasks from managers to subordinates
• How does delegation benefit managers and subordinates?

  Managers can focus on strategic decision-making, while subordinates receive meaningful tasks
• What is the span of control?

  The span of control is the number of subordinates directly accountable to a line manager
• What are the characteristics of wide and narrow spans of control?

  Wide spans have fewer layers and lower costs, while narrow spans have more layers and higher costs
• What is the impact of a narrow span of control on organizational culture?

  Narrow spans can create an "us and them" culture, leading to division between employees and managers
• What is hierarchy in an organizational context?

  Hierarchy is an organizational system based on ranking, where higher levels have more authority
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of traditional hierarchical systems?

  They create a sense of belonging but can lead to inflexibility and division between departments
• What does chain of command refer to?

  Chain of command is the system by which orders are passed down in an organization
• How does the length of the chain of command affect decision-making?

  A longer chain of command can delay decision-making as orders must pass through more levels
• What is bureaucracy in an organizational context?

  Bureaucracy involves dealing with many procedures and paperwork in an organization
• How does bureaucracy affect creativity in organizations?

  Bureaucracy can hinder creativity and limit risk-taking in creative industries
• What is the difference between centralization and decentralization?

  Centralization involves decision-making by a small group, while decentralization spreads decision-making among many
• What are the advantages of centralized organizations?

  Centralized organizations make quick decisions and provide clear direction
• What are the disadvantages of decentralized organizations?

  Decentralized organizations can have higher administrative costs and be harder to control
• What does de-layering mean in an organizational context?

  De-layering is the removal of an entire management level in the hierarchy
• What are the effects of de-layering on communication and decision-making?

  De-layering shortens the chain of command, making communication easier and increasing empowerment
• What is a matrix structure?

  A matrix structure combines a hierarchical structure with project-based teams from different departments
• When are matrix structures commonly used?

  Matrix structures are common for project-based work that requires collaboration across departments
• What is the purpose of an organization chart?

  • Represents organizational structure visually
  • Shows accountability and responsibility relationships
  • Illustrates chain of command and span of control
  • Provides clarity on communication channels
• What are the two main categories of organization charts?

  By height and by purpose
• What are the two types of organization charts by height?

  Tall (or vertical) and flat (or horizontal)
• What are the three types of organization charts by purpose?

  By product, by region, and by function
• How do organization charts help employees understand their roles?

  They clarify accountability, responsibility, and the overall structure of the organization
• What does the height category of organization charts refer to?

  It refers to the different levels of hierarchy in the organization
• Why are flat horizontal structures more suitable for creative industries?

  They allow for more freedom and less bureaucratic layers
• What is the main advantage of tall hierarchical structures during crisis management?

  They allow for quick decision-making and clear authority
• What does the term "us and them culture" refer to?

  It refers to a division between managers and subordinates
• How can organization charts be organized?

  They can be organized by function, product, or region
• What is a matrix structure?

  A structure that organizes human resources around projects
• What is the purpose of STEEPLE analysis?

  To evaluate external factors impacting a business
• What does STEEPLE stand for?

  Social, Technological, Economic, Environmental, Political, Legal, Ethical
• What does the term "change" refer to in the context of organizational structures?

  It refers to alterations in working practices
• How can the appropriateness of an organizational structure be discussed?

  By analyzing factors like stakeholders, implications, advantages, and disadvantages
• What does SLAP stand for in the context of discussing organizational structures?

  Stakeholders, Long-term and short-term implications, Advantages and disadvantages, Priorities
• Who designed the theory of shamrock organization?

  Charles Handy
• What are the three leaves of the shamrock organization?

  Core staff, outsourced workers, and peripheral staff
• What is the role of core staff in a shamrock organization?

  They are irreplaceable and essential to the organization's core activities