Week Three Student Guide

This week, you will discuss the organizing function of management. This function includes the different types of organizational structures, and the strengths and weaknesses of those different structures. Most organizations evolve into a particular structure. Start-ups evolve as the organization grows and the founders think they can no longer manage certain functions. The founders may then appoint a manager. As the managers think they can no longer manage the entire function, they appoint department managers. As new branches or facilities open, a manager is appointed, and so on.

Over time, the structure is reviewed and changed to meet the needs of the organization. Managers can develop strong plans designed to achieve goals. However, if the organization is not organized in a manner to support the plan, managers will find it difficult to successfully accomplish their goals. Additionally, strong organizations are prepared for and capable of adapting to a changing environment. To fully comprehend the management process and how primary functions relate to one another, it is important for you to understand organizing as a management function.

Organizing as a Management Function

OBJECTIVE: Describe the organizing function of management.

Resources: Ch. 8 of Management: Leading & Collaborating in a Competitive World

Content

• Ch. 8: Organization Structure of Management: Leading & Collaborating in a Competitive World

o Fundamentals of Organizing

• Differentiation • Integration

o The Vertical Structure

• Authority in Organizations • Hierarchical Levels • Span of Control • Delegation • Decentralization

o The Horizontal Structure

• The Functional Organization • The Divisional Organization • The Matrix Organization • The Network Organization

o Organizational Integration

• Coordination by Standardization • Coordination by Plan • Coordination by Mutual Adjustment • Coordination and Communication

o Looking Ahead

OBJECTIVE: Identify various types of organizational structures.

Resources: Ch. 9 of Management: Leading & Collaborating in a Competitive World

Content

• Ch. 9: Organizational Agility

o The Responsive Organization o Strategy and Organizational Agility

• Organizing around Core Competencies • Strategic Alliances • The Learning Organization • The High-Involvement Organization

o Organizational Size and Agility

• The Case for Big • The Case for Small • Being Big and Small

o Customers and the Responsive Organization

• Customer Relationship Management • Total Quality Management • ISO 9001 •