1. G041: Lecture 04 Organisation Structures
Mr C Johnston
ICT Teacher

2. Session Objectives
Understand the different types of organisational structures,
Be able to draw a structure from a case study,

3. Types of Organisation Structure
There are two types of organisation structure which we need to know:
Flat
Hierarchical
An organisation which has a flat structure is said to have few levels within it,
An organisation with many levels is said to be hierarchical.

4. Structure Comparison Structure Type Advantages Disadvantages
Hierarchical
Easier definition of roles and responsibilities
May hamper the assembly of special purpose ad-hoc teams
Greater scope for developing expertise
Likely to encourage set ways of behaviour
More frequent opportunities for promotion
May impede decision making
Flat
May encourage personal development and display of initiative
Consequence of an individual leaving at short notice may be serious
Possibly greater responsiveness to unforeseen events
Likely to impede the emergence of centres of competence

5. An Example Structure Managing Director Production Director Marketing
Administration
Finance
Purchasing
Engineering
Manufacturing
Stock Control
Quality Control
Servicing
Market Research
Sales planning
Sales
Public Relations
Human Resources
Security
Buildings
Services
Training
Finance Planning
Internal Audit
Budgets
Financial Accounts
ICT

6. What Should I Be able To Do?
May be asked (although never been asked yet) to draw a simple diagram,
Work out how a job roll fits into the over all structure
Work out how a department fits into the overall structure
Find out the responsibilities of a particular job.

7. Exercises
Download structureExercises.doc from my website and complete the exercises.