Organisational structures and ways of working

• What is an organisational structure?

  • How a business organizes its staff
  • Represents different layers of management
  • Can be displayed in a chart
• What are the two main types of organisational structure?

  Hierarchical and flat
• What characterizes a tall organisational structure?

  • Many layers of management
  • Uses a top-down approach
  • Clear accountability for tasks
• What is a top-down approach in management?

  A method where decisions flow from top to bottom
• What is accountability in a business context?

  Responsibility to complete assigned tasks
• What is a middle manager?

  • Manages at least one subordinate level
  • Reports to higher-level managers
  • Acts as a link between staff and upper management
• What characterizes a flat organisational structure?

  • Few layers of management
  • Faster decision-making processes
  • Common in smaller businesses
• Why do smaller businesses often use flat structures?

  To enable quicker decision-making
• What is the purpose of an organisational chart?

  To display the structure of a business
• How do hierarchical and flat structures differ in decision-making?

  • Hierarchical: slower due to many layers
  • Flat: quicker due to fewer managers
• What is the role of human resources in a business?

  To identify and meet business needs
• What does an organisational chart illustrate?

  • Roles within a business
  • Responsibilities of each role
  • Accountability relationships
• What is the definition of span of control?

  The number of staff a manager oversees
• What does the chain of command explain?

  How instructions flow from top to bottom
• What is delayering in a business context?

  Removing layers of management for a flat structure
• What is delegation in a business?

  Assigning tasks to employees lower in hierarchy
• Who are subordinates in an organisational structure?

  Staff members below a manager
• What are the key terms related to organisational structures?

  • Span of control
  • Chain of command
  • Delayering
  • Delegation
  • Subordinates
• What is the role of human resources in a business?

  To identify and meet business needs
• What are the different organisational structures in businesses?

  • Centralised structure
  • Decentralised structure
  • Hierarchical structure
  • Flat structure
• Why is effective communication important in a business?

  It impacts the type and amount of communication
• How does a business's growth affect communication?

  It makes maintaining effective communication harder
• What are common methods of communication in a business?

  • Emails
  • Text messages
  • Online shared spaces
  • Communication apps
  • Letters
  • Reports
  • Phone calls
  • Video-conferencing
  • Face-to-face meetings
• What are the negative effects of ineffective communication?

  It can harm business performance
• What does insufficient communication mean?

  Not enough or poor-quality communication
• How does insufficient communication affect employees?

  It can lower efficiency and motivation
• What does excessive communication mean?

  Too much communication in general
• What can excessive communication cause in employees?

  Confusion and stress or overload
• What are key job roles in a business?

  • Directors
  • Senior managers
  • Supervisors and team leaders
  • Operational staff
  • Support staff
• Who are directors in a business?

  People at the top of the organisational structure
• What is the role of a board of directors?

  To make key business decisions
• What is the role of senior managers?

  They have overall responsibility for staff
• What decisions do senior managers make?

  Key day-to-day operational decisions
• What do supervisors and team leaders do?

  Manage a team of employees
• What is the role of operational staff?

  Complete tasks that fulfill business purpose
• What do support staff do in a business?

  Assist with daily operations
• What are the two main types of business structures?

  • Centralised structure
  • Decentralised structure
• What is a centralised structure?

  Decisions made at the top and distributed down
• What is a decentralised structure?

  Decisions made by managers and subordinates
• Where is a centralised structure often used?

  In retail chains