Mintzberg's organisational configurations

Question 1

This configuration is best suited for small start-ups, family-run businesses or early-stage organisations that are often small, informal and highly centralized with few levels of hierarchy, a single decision maker and few rules, systems or procedures.

Answer 1

Simple structure

Question 2

This configuration is best suited for large, stable organisations with repetitive tasks. These are highly formalized with many rules, specialized tasks, and centralized decision-makers at top levels with a focus on efficiency and consistency.

Answer 2

Hierarchal bureaucracy

Question 3

This structure is best suited for organisations that require specialized knowledge and expertise and rely on highly skilled professionals who have autonomy in their work. Decisions are made based on the professional’s judgement and formal training and credentials are essential.

Answer 3

Professional bureaucracy

Question 4

This structure is best suited for large diversified organisations with a parent company overseeing semi-autonomous divisions with their own management who are often specialised in regions, products or markets.

Answer 4

Divisionalised form

Question 5

This structure is best suited for dynamic and rapidly changing environments that require innovation. They are highly flexible and innovative where teams are formed for specific tasks with changing roles, and decentralized decision-making which allows for creativity, adaptability and minimal hierarchy.

Answer 5

Adhocracy

Question 6

What are the strengths and weaknesses of a simple structure?

Answer 6

+ Flexible & quick to adapt
+ Desicions are made fast
- Over-reliant on 1 person
- Struggeling to grow due to lack of systems

Question 7

What are the strengths and weaknesses of a machine bureaucracy?

Answer 7

+ Efficient & reliable
+ Clear roles and responsibilities
- Rigid, and slow to adapt
- Employees feel demotivated due to repetitive tasks

Question 8

What are the strengths and weaknesses of a professional bureaucracy?

Answer 8

+ High expertise leads to quality outcomes
+ Professionals have autonomy, which leads to job satisfaction
- Communication between professionals can be challenging
- Resistant to standardization or change

Question 9

What are the strengths and weaknesses of a divisionalized form?

Answer 9

+ Allows for specific focus on markets, regions or products.
+ De-centralized decision-making at the division level
- Duplication of resources across divisions
- Divisions can become isolated and compete internally

Question 10

What are the strengths and weaknesses of an adhocracy?

Answer 10

+ Adaptable to change
+ Encourages innovation and collaboration
- Lack of structure can lead to chaos
- Roles and responsibilities are unclear