ORGANIZATION AND MANAGEMENT
Definition: Organizational structure is how a
business divides tasks and responsibilities
among its employees. It shows who is in charge
and how different roles connect to each other.
For example, in a hospital director is at the top,
followed by department heads like surgeons or
nurses, and then the support staff. This structure
helps everyone understand their roles and who
they report to.
This is usually shown using an organizational
chart. There are two main types of charts
which are:
- Tall organizational charts: This type
has many levels of management. Each
manager is responsible for a small number
of employees. It helps maintain clear
authority and specialization.
- Flat organizational charts: This type
has fewer levels of management, meaning
managers supervise many employees. It
allows for quicker decisions and better
communication, often seen in small
businesses or startups.
What are the advantages of an
organizational chart?
- An organizational chart helps map out the
structure, and how tasks are divided among
employees.
- With the chart, communication pathways
become obvious, ensuring that messages
are sent to the right people and reducing
confusion.
- Employees can see where they fit in the
company and identify potential career
advancements, boosting their motivation
towards promotions.
What is chain of command?
The chain of command refers to how power and
authority are passed down in an organization,
from top to lower employees. It helps maintain
order and clear communication.
What is span of control?
The span of control is the number of employees
that a manager directly supervises. A small span
allows for closer supervision, while a larger span
may lead to less personal interaction.
Advantages of short chain of command
- Faster communication: Communication
is quicker and more accurate because fewer
people are involved in passing the message.
This means information travels directly from
top to bottom without going through many
layer reducing chances of
misunderstandings.
- Stronger relationship between high-
level managers and employees: A
shorter chain of command means fewer
layers between top managers and
employees. This allows managers to
communicate directly with workers, building
trust and better understanding. Employees
feel more connected to decision makers,
which can lead to quicker feedback and
more teamwork, improving overall
performance. For example, in a small
company, employees can talk directly to the
CEO. If they have a suggestion, it can quickly
reach top management making employees
feel heard.
- Each manager is responsible for more
employees: This means managers can
make decisions for a larger group, which
speeds up communication and reduces
delays. It also helps managers get a better
understanding of the teams overall
performance.
