Management & Communication in Different Structures (AQA GCSE Business)

Tall structures have multiple levels of management, with many layers between top managers and frontline employees

This results in a long chain of command with several levels of supervision, leading to slow decision making

Flat structures have fewer levels of management, and a shorter chain of command

There are few layers between top managers and frontline employees, leading to fast decision making

In a tall structure, managers have a narrow span of control, meaning they oversee a smaller number of subordinates

This leads to close supervision and centralised decision-making

Flat structures have a wide span of control, where managers oversee a larger number of subordinates

This requires managers to delegate more responsibilities and empower employees to make decisions

Authority and decision-making power are concentrated at the higher levels of management

This results in less autonomy for lower-level employees

Authority and decision-making power are more decentralised,

Employees at lower levels are empowered to make decisions related to their tasks and responsibilities

Tall structures often have specialised roles and functions (e.g. marketing)

This provides high levels of expertise

Flat structures tend to have more generalist roles

Employees need a broad range of skills and knowledge

Tall structures have multiple layers of management and established procedures

This can make them inflexible and resistant to change

Flat structures are generally more flexible and adaptable

With fewer layers through which decisions must be communicated, changes can be implemented quickly

Communication flows through multiple layers

This can lead to delays, making it difficult for a business to respond to change

With fewer layers, communication is more direct and efficient

This leads to fast communication, which can help a businesses respond rapidly to change

Communication, especially instructions, will be frequent

Decisions are centralised and will need to be shared often so that workers know what to do

Upwards and downwards communication may be less frequent

Employees are empowered to make decisions so need less instruction

Downward and upward communication is likely to take time as communication travels through multiple layers

Horizontal communication is quicker due to narrow spans of control

Verbal communication is more likely as managers have time to meet with fewer subordinates

Horizontal communication is time-consuming due to wide spans of control

Downward and upward communication between managers and subordinates can be much quicker

Written or electronic communication (e.g. email) is more likely as managers have little time to meet their many subordinates

Information can be distorted as it passes though numerous layers of hierarchy

This can lead to mistakes or confusion amongst subordinates

Infrequency and the lack of face to face communication can lead to confusion, especially amongst inexperienced employees