Introduction to Organizational Studies

DETERMINANTS of
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
M. Chazienul Ulum, S.Sos, MPA., M.AP
Influencing Factors:
(Jones, 2007)

TECHNOLOGY

DETERMINING
ORGANIZATIONAL HUMAN
ENVIRONMENT
ORGANIZATIONAL RESOURCE
STRUCTURE

STRATEGY
HR/Size of Organization

The size of the organization concerns the size

of the organization as seen from the number
of its members.

The number of members / size of the

organization will affect the complexity of the
organization, both horizontal and vertical.

Size also affects formalization &

centralization. The larger the organization
the higher the formalization.
Strategy
Determination of the basic long-term goals
& objectives of an organization, as well as a
series of action plans and allocation of
resources needed to carry out the
achievement of these goals.

Adaptive
e ‘D
iv efe
c t ns
oa ive
P r ’
 Technology

• Technology refers to the use of information, equipment, techniques, & processes

needed to transform inputs into outputs in organizations.
• There are several types of technology, for example manual, appropriate &
sophisticated; routine & non routine; or simple, complex & very complex /
complicated.
Environment
According to Burns & Stalker, in a stable
environment the organizational structure tends
to be mechanistic, characterized by complexity,
being more formal, and highly centralized.
Performing routine tasks depends on the
behavior that is programmed, and is relatively
slow in responding to unfamiliar
circumstances.

Effective structures can adapt to their

environment. Mechanistic structures for stable
& organic environments for volatile/unstable
ones.
Main Challenges of Organizational Design
( Jones, 1994 )

Need a balance between differentiation

1
& integration.

2
Need a balance between centralization
& decentralization.

3 Integrating formal coordination and

informal coordination.

4 Choosing of mechanical structure and

organic structure.
That’s all! Thank you! 
Any questions?