Organisational Design (Edexcel A Level Business)
Revision Note
Understanding Organisational Structure Terminology
Organisational structure outlines the reporting relationships, roles, and responsibilities of employees in the organisation
Businesses must determine what the best structure is for them to effectively implement their ideas and achieve their objectives
They should consider how the structure may affect the management and effectiveness of operations and communications
A well-designed organisational structure helps to promote clarity, efficiency, and accountability
Key terminology used in organisational design
1. Hierarchy
A hierarchy refers to the levels of authority within an organisation
It describes the ranking of positions from top to bottom
The higher the position in the hierarchy, the more authority and power it holds
The hierarchy usually includes top-level management, middle-level management, and lower-level employees
2. Chain of command
The chain of command is the formal line of authority that flows down from the top management to lower-level employees
It defines who reports to whom and who is responsible for making decisions
The chain of command helps establish a clear communication channel and helps to maintain accountability within the organisation
3. Span of control
Span of control refers to the number of employees that a manager or supervisor can effectively manage
It is based on the principle that a manager can only effectively manage a limited number of employees
A narrower span of control means that there are more layers of management
A wider span of control means that there are fewer layers of management
4. Centralised and decentralised structures
In a centralised structure, decision-making authority is concentrated at the top of the organisation, with senior management making most of the decisions
In a decentralised structure, decision-making authority is distributed throughout the organisation, with lower-level employees having more decision-making power
Decentralisation can promote flexibility and innovation, while centralisation can promote consistency and control
Different Types of Organisational Structure
Businesses typically structure their organisation in one of three ways
Tall organisational structures
Flat organisational structure
Matrix organisational structure
Tall organisational structures
Tall structures are characterised by multiple levels of management and a more centralised decision making process
A long chain of command
Common in large organisations with complex operations, e.g. government agencies and universities
Advantages and disadvantages of tall structures
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Flat organisational structures
Flat structures are characterised by fewer levels of management and a more decentralised decision-making process
A short chain of command
Common in small organisations or start-ups e.g. tech start-ups and small businesses
Advantages and disadvantages of flat structures
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Matrix organisational structures
Matrix structures are usually built around specific products or projects, e.g. KitKat has its team within Nestlé
They combine the functional areas of a business (HR, finance, marketing, sales) with a specialist team that operates inside the business
Advantages and disadvantages of matrix structures
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