human resources s4

• what is delayering?


  delayering is the removal of one or more layers of hierarchy from a businesses organisational structure. often this is done to reduce costs eg remove a level of middle managers
• what is a tall structure?

  an organisation with many layers.

  long chain of command

  more layers of management
• advantages of a tall structure

  • lines of communication is clear
  • Span of control is narrower
  • opportunities for promotion
• disadvantages for a tall structure

  • employees freedom is limited
  • breakdown of communication
• what is a flat structure?


  an organisation with a few layers

  short chain of command

  wide span of control
• advantages of a flat structure

  • communication is quicker
  • fewer mistakes made
  • more sharing of ideas
  • wider span of control forces
• disdvantages of flat structure

  • the workload of managers
  • more chances for conflict
  • low opportunities for communication `
• what does delegation mean?


  Assigning tasks or authority to another person.
• what does decentralisation mean?


  the transferor control of an activity or organisation to several local offices or authorities rather than a single one
• what does span of control mean?

  number of subordinates that a manager or supervisor can manage or control in an organisation
• what is the chain of command?


  refers to the hierarchy within a company
• what is centralisation ?

  the concentration of control or an activity or organisation under a single authority