Organic structures are used in organizations facing unstable environments and must possess

the ability to change accordingly. They have the ability to process, analyze, and distribute
information and knowledge very quickly. This ensures that they stay competitive against other
businesses. Businesses using Organic structures need to communicate effectively and quickly
by spreading information. This is done by departments and different functional areas being
closely integrated with one another. Also, by implementing decentralized decision making,
employees of lower ranking will have the ability to make important decisions. This will help
empower employees leading to greater creativity and better problem solving. Google
Corporation is a great example of an Organic structure based business. Their employees are
encouraged to use creative problem solving skills and develop new products.

Organic Structures Include:

- Large network of authority, control, and communication
- Problem solving is encouraged by all employees
- Employees are more goals oriented than job orientated
- Employee empowerment is encouraged

The structure of an organization will dictate how people interact with each other and their
relationship of roles in the organization. If a structure is out-dated or not implemented correctly
in a business, it will lead to many problems. These include conflict among employees or
departments, confusion of employee roles, and lack of communication / coordination among
departments.
In the past managers have simply tried to reorganize or work with the current structure of a
business rather than addressing the necessary issues. This could lead to greater complexity
rather than solving structural flaws

A good way to start problem solving regarding organizational structure in a business is to ask 3
important questions:
1 – Is the problem the structure or the way management is managing it?
2 – Does the structure match out strategy?
3 – Has organization design been compromised due to accommodating to personalities?
Have you ever worked in a company and thought about these 3 questions
Organic vs Mechanistic Structures

Mechanistic Organic

Individual specialization: Joint Specialization:

Employees work separately Employees work together and
and specialize in one task coordinate tasks

Simple integrating mechanisms: Complex integrating mechanisms:

Hierarchy of authority well-defined task forces and teams are primary
integrating mechanisms

Centralization: Decentralization:
Decision-making kept as high as possible. Authority to control tasks is delegated.
Most communication is vertical. Most communication lateral

Standardization: Mutual Adjustment:

Extensive use made of rules & Standard Face-to-face contact for coordination.
Operating Procedures Work process tends to be unpredictable

Much written communication Much verbal communication

Informal status in org based on size of Informal status based on perceived

empire brilliance

Organization is a network of positions, Organization is network of persons or

corresponding to tasks. Typically each teams. People work in different capacities
person corresponds to one task simultaneously and over time