Organisational Design

• What is the structure in a school typically described as?

  Hierarchical structure
• Who is at the top of the school hierarchy?

  Headteacher
• What does the chain of command refer to?

  The hierarchical levels within an organization
• What is a delayer in an organizational context?

  To remove a layer of management
• What does the term 'span of control' mean?

  Number of subordinates a manager supervises
• What is a tall organizational structure characterized by?

  Narrow span of control and many levels
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of a tall organizational structure?

  Advantages:

  • Opportunities for promotion
  • Clear accountability

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Creates a 'them and us' culture
  • Longer decision-making process
  • Potential for distorted messages
• What is a flat organizational structure characterized by?

  Wide span of control and fewer managers
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of a flat organizational structure?

  Advantages:

  • Team/job satisfaction
  • Cuts costs by needing fewer managers
  • Quicker communication

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Larger span of control can lead to workload issues
  • Fewer opportunities for promotion
  • More likely to be unorganized
• What is the purpose of creating teams from different departments?

  To run different projects and focus on products
• What is a disadvantage of having teams report to two line managers?

  Unclear immediate manager can cause confusion
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of a centralized system?

  Advantages:

  • Experienced senior managers make decisions
  • Decisions benefit the whole company

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Stops creativity and new ideas
  • Less motivation and job satisfaction
• What are the advantages and disadvantages of a decentralized system?

  Advantages:

  • Motivates workers with decision-making power
  • Local managers have better knowledge of conditions

  
  

  Disadvantages:

  • Slower decision-making process
  • Less economies of scale
• What is the role of local branch managers in a decentralized system?

  They have decision-making power
• How can a decentralized system affect employee motivation?

  It can increase motivation among workers
• What is a potential disadvantage of local branch managers in a decentralized system?

  They may not be as well-informed as senior managers
• What is a potential issue with economies of scale in a decentralized system?

  Different purchase orders will be done locally