Unit 8: Organizational Structure & Change

Organizational Structure

Framework governing task distribution, reporting lines, communication, and coordination.

Work Specialization

Dividing tasks into narrow jobs to increase efficiency and expertise.

Chain of Command

Formal authority hierarchy clarifying who directs whom.

Span of Control

Number of direct reports a manager supervises.

Centralization vs Decentralization

Centralization: decisions at top; Decentralization: decisions distributed.

Formalization

Extent to which rules, procedures, and documentation guide operations.

Matrix Structure

Hybrid structure sharing resources across functional and project lines; fosters flexibility.

Matrix Structure Benefits

Efficient resource use, versatility, cross-functional collaboration.

Matrix Structure Drawbacks

Role ambiguity, conflicts, complexity.

Boundaryless Organization

Flexible, networked structure with fluid internal/external boundaries.

Boundaryless Advantages

Agility, innovation, rapid info flow.

Boundaryless Disadvantages

Coordination complexity, unclear accountability.

Learning Organization

Culture focused on continuous knowledge creation, adaptation, experimentation.

Learning Organization Benefits

Organizational resilience, shared learning, adaptability.

Learning Org Challenges

Requires time, cultural change, can hamper short-term performance.

Organizational Change

Modifications in structure, culture, strategy, or processes for better alignment.

Incremental vs Transformational Change

Incremental: gradual; Transformational: radical and widespread.

Individual Resistance to Change

Fear, habit, loss of control, self-interest, uncertainty.

Organizational Resistance

Structural inertia, norms, limited resources, threat to status.

Lewin's Change Model

Unfreeze current state → Change process → Refreeze new state.

Kotter's 8-Step Model

Build urgency → coalition → vision → communication → empowerment → short wins → consolidation → anchoring.

Change Enablers

Communication, leadership support, training, rewards, feedback.

Resistance Management Strategies

Educate, involve, negotiate, support, communicate.

Sustaining Change

Reinforce new behaviors, monitor progress, reward adherence, integrate changes into culture.