Principles of Organizational Leadership The Structural Frame Objectives

Principles of Organizational Leadership The Structural Frame

Objectives ¢ ¢ Understand the concepts of the Structural Frame Understand the difficulties associated with the structural frame Understand the concept of structural configurations Understand why and when to restructure

Concepts of the Structural Frame ¢ Structural assumptions Organizations exist to achieve established goals and objectives l Organizations increase efficiency and enhance performance through specialization and appropriate division of labor l Suitable forms of coordination and control ensure that diverse efforts of individuals and units mesh l

Concepts of the Structural Frame Cont. ¢ Structural assumptions cont. Organizations work best when rationality prevails over personal agendas and extraneous pressures l Structures must be designed to fit and organization's current circumstances l Problems arise and performance suffers from structural deficiencies, which can be remedied through analysis and restructuring l

Concepts of the Structural Frame Cont. ¢ Finding the right structure l ¢ Rigid vs. fluid Structural considerations l Differentiation vs. integration

Concepts of the Structural Frame Cont. ¢ Vertical coordination Authority l Rules and policies l Planning and Control Systems l ¢ Lateral coordination Meetings l Task forces l Coordinating roles l

Difficulties of the Structural Frame ¢ Designing structure Vertical vs. lateral l Important organizational considerations l

Difficulties of the Structural Frame Cont. ¢ Finding balance Each organization will be different l Structural needs are always changing l

Structural Configurations ¢ Mintzberg vs. Helgensen l Mintzberg • Provides a structural foundation for organizations l Helgensen • Provides a more fluid and organic approach

Structural Configurations Cont. ¢ Mintzberg’s Fives Provides an overview of organizational structure l Includes l • • • Operating core Middle line Technostructure Support staff Strategic apex

Structural Configurations Cont. ¢ Mintzberg’s used the foundational model to derive five types of configurations Simple structure l Machine bureaucracy l Professional bureaucracy l Divisonalized form l Adhocracy l

Structural Configurations Cont. ¢ Helgeson’s Web of Inclusion Views organizations as organic and freewheeling l More dangerous as the organization grows l

Why and When to Restructure ¢ Various reasons lead to restructuring Environmental shifts l Technology changes l Organizational growth l Leadership changes l ¢ Bad structures can create significant problems

Summary ¢ ¢ Structural frame issues are complex and always changing There are options when considering what type of structure to use Different structures have different strengths and weaknesses Watch closely to know when it is time to restructure

Principles of Organizational Leadership The Structural Frame