Organisational structure

Internal organisation of firms In small firms: Each worker may undertake a range of roles The structure may be informal and fluid As firms grow bigger: The roles and responsibilities of each worker must become clearer A more formal structure is necessary

Functional areas Finance Human resources Sales & marketing A function is the specific job of a person or department. The main functional areas in organisations are: Finance Human resources Sales & marketing Production and operations

Organisational charts Board of directors HR Manager 4 HR Officers Finance Manager 6 Accounts Clerks Operations Director Factory A Manager 3 Quality controllers 20 Factory workers Factory B Manager 2 Quality controllers 15 Factory workers Marketing Manager 8 Sales Reps

Organisation structure Organisation charts - pictorial representations of the job roles and lines of responsibility within a business Hierarchy – an organisation structured in layers, with those at the top having greater authority than workers in lower levels

Organisation structure Span of control – the number of workers one manager is directly responsible for Chain of command – the line down which instructions are passed through the layers in the hierarchy

Tall organisations These have: Many layers Small spans of control Characteristics of tall organisations: High levels of control (appropriate for unskilled workers) More opportunities for promotion Poor communication as information has to pass through the many layers

Flat organisations Flat organisations have: Few layers Large spans of control Characteristics of flat organisations: Low levels of control (suitable for skilled, experienced & motivated workers) Better communication Managers must delegate work due to larger spans of control, motivating employees

De-layering De-layering involves removing one or more layers of middle managers De-layering can: Cut the costs of paying many managers Improve communication Empower the remaining workers if they are given extra responsibilities Result in a loss of experienced, skilled managers Be costly initially in terms of redundancy and training

Matrix structures Matrix structures use a project based approach to organisational design Project teams are made up of representatives from the different functional areas Matrix teams run alongside the traditional functional structure

Matrix structures Advantages of matrix structures Drawback of matrix structures Staff from all departments can work on the project, leading to quick decision making Workers may be able to better use their skills and abilities Split loyalties as workers have both project team leaders and their functional managers Administration of matrix management is expensive

Centralisation Authority for decision making remains with senior managers Benefits of centralisation Drawbacks of centralisation Firms can benefit from economies of scale Local differences may not be taken into account Ensures the activities throughout the business fit with the organisation’s objectives Employees cannot use their knowledge of working at the ‘coalface’ Quick decisions can be made by managers who are skilled at decision making Workers may become demotivated

Decentralisation Authority for decision making is delegated down the hierarchy Benefits of decentralisation Drawbacks of decentralisation Staff are empowered to make decisions which may be motivating A consistent corporate message may not be delivered throughout the firm Local conditions can be considered when making decisions Fewer chances of benefiting from economies of scale The experience of all workers is utilised Workers down the hierarchy may be less skilled at ‘decision making’

Flexible workforces Flexibility can be achieved using: Core & peripheral workers Outsourcing Home working Core workers: Usually full time and permanent Know the firm well Typically managers & specialists. Peripheral workers: Bought in only when needed Employed on a temporary basis Business functions are provided by other specialist organisations e.g. cleaning firms. May be more cost effective than carrying out these functions in-house. Employees work from home Usually relies on the use of advanced technology and communication Provides flexibility to both workers and their employers