...are two basic forms of organizational structure or designs mechanistic and organic structures. Mechanistic structure is characterized by extensive departmentalization, high formulization, limited information network and centralization. (Robbins and Judge 2009) The term mechanistic suggests that organizational structures, processes, and roles are like a machine in which each part of the organization does what it is designed to do. An organization that uses a mechanistic structure is likely to have the some of the following attributes, such as clear specified tasks, precise definitions of the rights and obligations of members or clearly defined line and staff positions with formal relationships between the two. Conversely (Burns and Stalker1961) defined the organic organizational form as characterized by a lack of formally defined tasks and an emphasis on horizontal as opposed to vertical coordination, which has become the exemplar structure for firms operating in unsettled environments. The term "organic" suggests that organizations change their structures, roles, and processes to respond and adapt to their environments. Organic structures are appropriate in unstable, turbulent, unpredictable environments and for non-routine tasks and technologies. For organizations coping with such uncertainty, finding appropriate, effective, and timely responses to environmental challenges is of critical importance. Mechanistic structures are identified by individual specialization; this...
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...Mechanistic versus Organic Structures a. Mechanistic Structure is appropriate for organizations focusing on a cost- minimization strategy through tight control, extensive division of labor, high formalization and centralization. The information network is limited and employees rarely participate in decision making process. b. Organic Structure is decentralized and has low complexity and formalization. It has an extensive information system, and employees rarely participate in decision making. It tends to be flexible and adaptive. c. Structure in function of the organization’s fundamental strategy. 1) Innovation Strategy focuses on developing important new product or services. An organic structure provides the flexibility for this strategy. 2) Cost-minimization Strategy imposes tight controls over expenses and reduces product prices. The mechanistic structure is appropriate. 3) Imitation strategies are not adopted by true innovators but rather by organizations that move into new markets after smaller competitors have demonstrated the potential for success. Limitation best suited to a structure that combines mechanistic and organic. d. Structure is also a function of 1) Size. Larger organizations tend to be mechanistic because greater formalization is needed. Strategies also change as sizes changes. Growing organizations often expand activities within their industry. 2) Technology. An organic structure may be...
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...Analysing Organisation Published: 23, March 2015 1. INTRODUCTION: An Organisation is social arrangements for achieving controlled performance in pursuit of collective goals (Buchanan & Huczynski 1997). The organization can also be defined as, social element developed by humans to serve some purpose. An organization usually consists of more than one people. According to Rollinson, the organizations are goals directed i.e. they are created to serve some purpose. However, this does not mean that everyone in the particular organization has the common goals and neither does it follow that everybody is aware of the goals pursued by the organization. Achieving the purpose or the goals for the organisation normally requires that human activity be deliberately structured and coordinated in some way, thus there will be identifiable parts or activities (Rollinson, 2008). For example, let us take our University as an organisation. The students, teaching staffs, non-teaching staffs, top management, workers, buildings and other resources available in the university form the organisation. The purpose of the university is to provide the quality education to the students. There is a culture being followed up in this organisation. The culture plays a major role in the organisation. But this culture is different from one organisation to another. What is Organisational Behaviour? It is the study of human behavior in organisational contexts, with a focus on individual and group processes...
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...two primary structure types; organic and mechanistic. There are four main elements to organizational structure; centralization, formalization, hierarchy, and departmentalization. These elements often coexist in organizational structures and their configuration will determine whether an organization is organic or mechanistic. Organic organizations are less formal and more flexible than traditional organizations and are characterized by such things as flexibility, informality, and knowledge based authority. An organic structure is laid out like a network and emphasizes horizontal specialization, personal coordination, and extensive communication. Organic organizations are generally flat and decentralized, with little reliance on formal authority, which enables faster decision making. Mechanistic structures are primarily hierarchical, with an emphasis on specialization, and vertical communication. Mechanistic structures also place an emphasis on control by relying on rules, policies, and procedures in conducting operations. Mechanistic structures are highly formalized and centralized and as a result are more rigid and resistant to change. Determining which structure is best is dependent on the stage of development the organization and its industry are in. Firms in mature, stable environments may find greater success with the mechanistic structure while established firms in dynamic or turbulent environments may find greater success with the organic structure....
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...formulated since the early 1900’s may be viewed from the Mechanistic, Organic, Cultural or Political perspectives.” The problems and opportunities facing organizations today are complex and changing rapidly. From the difficulties associated with globalization to the benefits of employee-centred initiatives to make workplaces more productive, all of society’s institutions feel the pressure of a new and very challenging environment. In order for organizations to perform efficiently and effectively with high productivity, organizations must discipline themselves by planning, organizing, leading, and controlling regarding to the four main management approaches which include classical approach, behavourial approach, quantitative approach, and modern approach. The four crucial approaches mentioned above can also be used and fitted differently depending upon different organizational perspectives such as Mechanistic perspective, Organic perspective, Cultural perspective, and Political perspective which will be discussed critically in the essay. From the Mechanistic organizational perspective point of view, the perspective recognizes the organization as a centralized authority based with many rules and procedures, a clear-cut division of labour, narrow spans of control and formal means of coordination. As an overall view, the Mechanistic perspective creates a very tight structure that focuses on procedure more than staffs. Mechanistic organizations are utilized to increase efficiency when...
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...Organizations can operate with blended approach between mechanistic and organic structures that need to change within some of structural traits as organizations change and mature. A success factor for organizations has the ability to adapt different structures, systems and processes to capture new market and expand. The organization design is a critical determinant of strategic competitive advantage. The importance of organization design for business leaders will also determine how effective is their strategies. Discussions The two structures for organization are basically the organic and mechanistic organization. A mechanistic organization has a rigid structure that is inflexible. Meanwhile, an organic organization is loosely designed with few levels of hierarchy and a lot of flexibility. The two structures will impact the effect of an organization. The contingency factors of organizational design decisions can affect the strategy and structure that can facilitate the achievement of goals. The innovation is a free flow of information that is based on organic organization. The cost minimization that seeks efficiency, stability, and control is under the mechanistic organization. The technological aspect of an organization in both mechanistic and organic supports the routine and non-routine technology, respectively. The output of every technology depends on the production types. Mechanistic Versus Organic Organization Design Mechanistic Organization is rigid and tightly controlled structure...
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...Contrast and Discuss Mechanistic vs. Organic Structures Vance Conyers Organizational Theory 360A 28 September 2012 Organization structure is “The formal system of task and authority relationships that control how people coordinate their actions and use resources to achieve goals”. (Jones 8) The structure that an organization forms can determine its ultimate success of failure. It sets the foundation for how the organization will function, make decisions, and respond to change. The two types of structures an organization can use are mechanic and organic. Mechanistic and organic structures both have advantages and disadvantages, and neither one is a perfect solution. Depending on the product, tasks to create the product, and people to create the product, make the decision very challenging. In most cases, elements of both types are implemented to ensure a successful business. The executive management is responsible for formulating the right mix in order to achieve success. They use organizational design to process information to select the best options. Every aspect of this decision will play out from how much power middle managers have, to the scope of responsibility direct supervisors encompass. The type of organization directly affects the culture and moral of employees. Implementation of the wrong type or mix of structure can cause mismanagement of resources (both human and physical), a toxic culture, and ultimately a failed institution. The mechanistic structure thrives...
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...Questions 1. Taking into account information above, what type of organizational structure does the company belong? Why? Please explain. Mechanistic vs Organic Grand Candy is an Organic company as there are few rules. There is also an informal communication. 2. What type of organizational design will better suit to this firm? a) Simple b) functional c) divisional d) team structure The organization use team structure design both in stores and factory. A team consists of professionals with various skills. According to company's CEO (chief executive officer Hovhannes Aidinyan) if one member of a team should be fired all team members should give an agreement. 3. What type of departmentalization does the company use in the factory? a) functional b) customer c)process d)product In the contrary of stores and cafes the factory creates teams using a product departmentalization. It is necessary as and most suitable way of departmentalization as company produces more than 400 products. Questions 1. Taking into account information above,what type of organizational structure does the company belong? Why? Please explain. Mechanistic vs Organic MTS uses mechanistic organizational structure. First of all it is very big for being organic. Which is characteristic for mechanistic organizations, it has many rules, formulized communication channels in order to manage behavior and performance of huge amount of employees. According to changes given above,...
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...DESIGNING ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE— BASIC DESIGNS 10 Copyright © 2014 Pearson Education, Ltd Copyright © 2016 Pearson Education, Ltd. 10-1 10 - 1 LEARNING OBJECTIVES 1. Describe six key elements in organizational design. Know how to delegate work to others and develop your skill at delegating. 2. Contrast mechanistic and organic structures. 3. Discuss the contingency factors that favor either the mechanistic model or the organic model of organizational design. 4. Describe traditional organizational designs. Copyright © 2014 Pearson Education, Ltd Copyright © 2016 Pearson Education, Ltd. 10-2 10 - 2 DESIGNING ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE Organizing – arranging and structuring work to accomplish an organization’s goals. Organizational Structure – the formal arrangement of jobs within an organization. Copyright © 2014 Pearson Education, Ltd Copyright © 2016 Pearson Education, Ltd. 10-3 10 - 3 DESIGNING ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE Organizational chart – the visual representation of an organization’s structure. Organizational Design – a process involving decisions about six key elements: • • • • • • Work specialization Departmentalization Chain of command Span of control Centralization and decentralization Formalization Copyright © 2014 Pearson Education, Ltd Copyright © 2016 Pearson Education, Ltd. 10-4 10 - 4 EXHIBIT 10-1 PURPOSES OF ORGANIZING Copyright © 2014 Pearson Education, Ltd ...
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...shaping the organization. Based on an organizations goals and objectives it may be structured in many different ways. Two important structures include Mechanistic and Organic structures. Mechanistic structures are mainly for companies that operate in a stable environment, use a centralized approach of authority, and maintain strong loyalty for management. Organizations that use a Mechanistic type of structure generally do not need to change or adapt their structure. This is mainly due to lack of innovation, creativity, and quick decision analysis not needed. Examples of organizations using Mechanistic structures include colleges and universities. If you think about it, they have long and strict registration procedures, rarely have to adapt or change in order to keep students enrolling, and most students tend to maintain high loyalty or obedience toward their instructors. Mechanistic Structures Include: – Belief upper management is better capable of making decisions – Management instructions must be followed – Communication and control must proceed through hierarchical routes – More emphasis toward completing a task opposed to achieving company goals – Employees are more jobs specialized and placed into certain departments – Low differentiation of tasks Organic structures are used in organizations facing unstable...
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...Having a wider span of control means employees have less supervision allowing them to take on more responsibility. This is important to me because it gives the employees more freedom and allows for fewer levels of reporting, causing a more flexible organization. Tasks are shared in organic designed organizations more than they are in mechanistic. I enjoy having this opportunity because it creates An organic organization consists of many teams and task forces. Working with a team has its downsides, such as dealing with social loafing, but they can also be very beneficial in certain workplace tasks. I enjoy working in teams because there are more resources, more creativity and the workload is shared amongst the group. Also working in teams generally produces higher quality work because you have more of a variety of different experiences and ideas then when working individually. Coordination is more informal and personal in organic designed organizations where in mechanistic designs it is formal and...
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...Organizational Structure and Roles | “All the world's a stage And all the men and women are merely players They have their exits and their entrances And one man in his time plays many parts” – by William Shakespeare | | | | | 06-May-12 | Contents Title 3 Executive Summary 3 Introduction 3 Roles 3 Attitudes and relationship of Attitudes with Roles 3 Organizational Structures 3 Organizational Structures Effect on Roles and Attitudes 3 Mechanistic Structure 3 Organic Structure 3 Moderate Mechanistic and Organic Structure 3 Phases of innovation, Mechanic versus Organics 3 Case study, Sunshine Real Estate 3 Sunshine Real Estate organizational design 3 Sunshine Real Estate organizational culture 3 Implications of Sunshine Real Estate’s three structural properties on employee role perception and attitudes 3 Work Specialization 3 Centralization 3 Formalization 3 Conclusion 3 References 3 APPENDIX 3 A: Organizational Structure Elements and Types of Structures 3 B:Elements Associated with Roles and Attitudes 3 C: Survey Analysis 3 Title The project attempts to explore the relationship between organizational structure, roles and attitudes under distinct corporate structural conditions. Executive Summary Organizational design in a sense is similar to the structure of bones in human body. It is a skeleton or framework upon which organizations are built and maintained. Organizations in creating organizational designs...
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...Week 3 Knowledge Check Study Guide Concepts Mastery Score: 21 / 21 Questions Six key elements in determining organizational 100% 1 2 3 100% 4 5 6 100% 7 8 9 100% 10 11 12 100% 13 14 15 structure Mechanistic and Organic Structures Types of Contemporary Organizational Designs Types of Internal and External Collaboration Stages of Group Development Five Conflict Management 100% Techniques 16 100% Structure 18 19 Six Aspects of Group 17 20 21 Concept: Six key elements in determining organizational structure Mastery 100% Questions 1 2 3 1. The process of dividing work activities into separate job tasks is known as ________. A. work specialization B. differentiation C. chain of command D. span of control Correct: The Correct Answer is: A. Work specialization is the division of work activities into separate tasks. Individual employees are assigned to specific job tasks within a work activity rather than completing an entire work activity on their own. 2. The process of grouping jobs together is known as ________. A. departmentalization B. centralization C. formalization D. decentralization Correct: The Correct Answer is: A. Departmentalization is the process of grouping jobs together in one of five common forms such as functional, geographical, product, process, and customer. This ...
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...Learning Outcomes Follow this Learning Outline as you read and study this chapter Organisational Structure and Design . 9.1 Defining Organizational Structure • • Describe each of the five forms of departmentalization. • Differentiate, authority, responsibility, and unity of command. • Sandra Carlos Discuss the traditional and contemporary views of work specialization, chain of command, and span of control. Explain how centralization – decentralization and formalization are used in organizational design. Organising 9.2 Mechanistic and Organic Structures • Contrast mechanistic and organic organizations. • Explain the contingency factors that affect organizational design. o -the process of organising an organisation’s structure o -undergone lots of changes in the last few years 9.3 Common Organizational Designs • Contrast the three traditional organizational designs. • Describe the contemporary organizational designs. • Discuss the organizational design challenges facing managers today. Exhibit 9–1 Purposes of Organizing • Divides work to be done into specific jobs and departments. • Assigns tasks and responsibilities associated with individual jobs. • Coordinates diverse organizational tasks. • Clusters jobs into units. • Establishes relationships among individuals, groups, and departments. • Establishes formal lines of authority. • Allocates and deploys organizational...
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...About me About me Flavio Rodriguez Flavio Rodriguez 483 Dennery RD APT 73 San Diego, CA, 92154, USA (619)704-5647 483 Dennery RD APT 73 San Diego, CA, 92154, USA (619)704-5647 I’m a Reservist in the United States navy. I’m a Machinist’s Mate. I’m currently majoring in the field of electronics and someday I would like to get into the field of aviation. I’m a hard worker and I have a lot of experience working with others as part of a team. I pay very close attention to detail and very aware of my surroundings. I’ve received a lot of training on safety, there for maintaining a safe work environment is very important for me and for my co-workers. I’m a Reservist in the United States navy. I’m a Machinist’s Mate. I’m currently majoring in the field of electronics and someday I would like to get into the field of aviation. I’m a hard worker and I have a lot of experience working with others as part of a team. I pay very close attention to detail and very aware of my surroundings. I’ve received a lot of training on safety, there for maintaining a safe work environment is very important for me and for my co-workers. * Have a successful career in the NAVY along with my civilian career. * Obtaining an Associate’s degree. * Graduating college with top of my class. * Being recognized as one of the best in my profession. * Being a valuable asset to the company I work for. * I would, someday be on the field of Aviation * Have a...
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