2.5.1 Organisational Structure

Question 1

Organisational structure

Answer 1

Shows how employees are organised within a business

Question 2

Span of Control

Answer 2

The people someone line managers

Question 3

Subordinate

Answer 3

The person below you in the organisational structure

Question 4

Tall Structure

Answer 4

4+ levels in the structure

Question 5

Advantages of a tall structure

Answer 5

Narrower spans of control
Lots of promotional opportunities
Staff can clearly see how their role fits within the organisation structure
More organised

Question 6

Disadvantages of a tall structure

Answer 6

Higher costs due to more levels
Slower communication due to long chain of command
Messages can be distorted
Decision making can be slower

Question 7

Flat structure

Answer 7

3 or Less layers within an organisation

Question 8

Advantages of Flat structure

Answer 8

Faster communication
Less chance of message disortion
Faster chain of command due to less layers
Faster decision making due to smaller chain of command
Creativity as more work delegated

Question 9

Disadvantages of Flat structure

Answer 9

Greater rivalry for promotion
Less organisation
Less promotional opportunities as less layers
Wider spans of control
Mistakes due to unclear communication lines

Question 10

Delayering

Answer 10

The process of removing one of the levels within an organisation’s hierarchy - usually a management level

Question 11

Advantages of delayering

Answer 11

Reduced costs
Increased speed of communication
Quicker Decision making
Empowers employees further down hierarchy

Question 12

Disadvantages of delayering

Answer 12

Creates wider spans of control
Loss of experience and expertise
Increased workload for remaining staff