Internal Structures of Organisations

Question 1

Tall structures

Answer 1

A tall structure has many levels of managements and therefor a long chain of command

There can be a feeling in this type of organisation that there are to Many bases

Tends to be seen in larger organisation

Question 2

Discuss tall structures

Answer 2

Advantages

• easier for managers to supervise staff
• more promotion opportunities
• employees will know their immediate boss
• clear lines of responsibility and communications

Disadvantages

• many layers of communications
• slow decision making
• high labour costs due to many levels of management
• workers may have little freedom/responsibility

Question 3

Describe flat structures

Answer 3

A flat structure has fewer levels of management

Employees are given greater responsibility as managers have to delegate tasks to reduce their workload

Question 4

Discuss flat structures

Answer 4

Advantages

• employees have more authority and responsibility–> motivation
• better communication between managers and work force–> more efficient decision making.
• communication channels less complicated
• better team spirit

Disadvantages

• employees have greater workload–> stress/higher staff turnover
• employees may need training for many tasks–> higher costs
• fewer promotion opportunities
• if span of control is too wide people may feel isolated/ignored.

Question 5

Changes in structures

Answer 5

To grow- changes mean that they employ more staff, introduce more products/services.

To delayer- changes mean that they get rid of a few levels of management in order to cut costs

To outsource- changes mean that they ask other businesses to come in and do certain tasks, because they are more suited.

To downsize- changes mean that they take away some of its activities

Question 6

Describe the matrix structure

Answer 6

Staff are organised into departments but also work in cross functional project teams.

Question 7

Discuss the matrix structure

Answer 7

Advantage

• task quantity high due to cross functional input
• motivating for staff to be chosen for projects
• chance to develop skills and share resources
• improves communication throughout the business
• workers can share expertise

Disadvantages

• difficult to manage workload across different projects
• may have divided loyalties as 2 bosses

Question 8

Describe entrepreneurial structure

Answer 8

Power/ control is held by an individual/small group of care managers

Question 9

Discuss entrepreneurial structure

Answer 9

Advantages

• decisions can be made quickly
• no need to consult staff
• staff are clear on who they are accountable to
• decisions will be made for the benefit for the business

Disadvantages

• demotivating for staff lower down the hierarchy
• large workload for decision makers
• difficult in large businesses where many decisions are made.