Mr Jey Knowledge Organisation Structures Flashcards
Functional structure
Employees work in departments such as finance, marketing, human resources, etc
Product based structure
Employees are allocated a line of products, each of which has its own its own teams from each of the functional departments
Geographical location structure
Employees are allocated to a region, each of which has its own its own teams from each of the functional departments
Matrix structure
Combining employees from different functions to work on a particular project until that project has been completed
Flat Structure
A small number of levels in the hierarchy. This results in short chains of command and wide spans of control
Hierarchal / Tall structures
A larger number of levels in the hierarchy. This results in longer chains of command and smaller spans of control
Centralised structure
Decision-making powers are kept at the top of the hierarchy. Senior managers make all of the important decisions
Decentralised structure
Decision-making powers are passed down the hierarchy to empower junior managers. Decision-making power is shared with junior managers in branches or sections of the business
Division of work
How tasks are allocated to each group of employees
Span of control
The number of subordinates answerable directly to a particular manager
Communication paths
The routes through which communication occurs. These may be through the chain of command, or in group situations
Authority
The power to make significant decisions and give instructions to subordinates.
Delegation
Passing authority down a hierarchy:
i.e. empowering subordinates to make significant decisions.
It is possible to delegate authority, but it is not possible to delegate responsibility
Empowerment
Giving employees greater control over their working lives
Accountability
Individuals are held responsible for the tasks that have been allocated or delegated to them
Responsibility
Senior employees are answerable for tasks that they have delegated to lower level employees
Organisational charts
Diagrams showing the levels of hierarchy and different sections within a business. They also show the JOB ROLES within an organisation
Chief executive
The person with the most authority in a business.
He/she is often the managing director or the chair of the board of directors.
Directors report to the chief executive and are responsible for the strategic decisions of a business
Managers
Specific directors and are usually responsible for departments
Supervisors
Responsible for team members in one part of a department
Assistants / Operatives
At the bottom of a hierarchy and carry out the instructions given by their supervisors
What do organisational charts show?
Reporting Status (upwards) and Command Status (downwards) between the different job roles
