Podcast script

Organizational structure and the culture of the people running it- are linked to each other in a
symbiotic relationship. This relationship has been addressed in the contingency approach for
organizational structure. The theory suggests that the systems, tasks, people and environment
should be aligned with each other. Here, the top management at HG should focus on the
effectiveness of the organizational structure of their project in Tanzania, which has been made
possible because Brett Jones was able to align the tasks, activities, the people and the
environment of the project. It should be considered by the top management of the company that
organizational structures are made up of people and their tasks or activities. Organizational
structure, by definition, is the allocation of tasks, procedures of supervision and the coordination
of human resources. The effective structure requires the proper setting of people with proper
activities and responsibilities, with appropriate directions and under proper supervision. The
structure is influenced by culture, which on the other hand, influences people’s behaviours. In
order to be effective with its operations in Tanzania, as it is now, under the supervision of Brett
Jones, HG needs to maintain a structure that fits with the cultural aspects of the people of that
country. Otherwise, the structure will fail due to the lack of responsiveness from the people
running the organization. Therefore, the significance of the contingency approach should be
considered by the management, and Brett Jones should be kept in the position of project liaison
specialist in Tanzania.