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Job and Organizational Design

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Introduction: Connecting Your Learning

Organizations are frequently structured around tasks. Often, organizations use their goals to

define tasks, from which they design different jobs. The organization then groups the jobs into

departments, which are linked to some form of organizational structure. Certain jobs span the

entire organization, such as that of the CEO. Other positions have very focused purposes and

tasks associated with them.

This lesson addresses how jobs are differentiated and integrated using six basic design

dimensions, five structural configurations, and contextual variables influencing organizational

design to explain differentiation and integration. Additionally, in your textbook reading, you will

explore five forces shaping organizations today and the authors’ cautions for managers related to

structural weaknesses.

As the organization grows, the structure of the organization is likely to change over time.

Organizational size and mission/goals affect the centralization of the organization. Technology

also affects organizations whether structures are categorized as mechanistic or organic.

As you read the lesson and complete the required activities, be sure to think about the

information in the context of your own workplace organization.

" Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell ‘em, ‘Certainly I can!’ Then get busy and find

out how to do it."

Theodore Roosevelt

Readings, Resources, and Assignments

Required Textbook Readings Chapter 15: " Organizational Design and Structure"

Multimedia Resources Coursemate site

Required Assignments Project

Check Prior Knowledge

How much do you already know about the concepts you will cover in this lesson? The following

activities will focus your attention on the information in the lesson. You are strongly encouraged

to complete this section, although you are not required to submit the responses to your instructor.

" The Advantage of a Decentralized Organizational Structure"

Read this article on the advantages of decentralization for small businesses.

Think about an organization to which you belong or with whom you do business as a customer.

Is the organization decentralized? How do you know? What organizational structures indicate the

decentralized structure? How does leadership function in this decentralized organization?

Consider how the decentralized nature of the organization has influenced its actions and

decisions. Do you think a centralized organization would have made better decisions? Faster

decisions? Decisions that everyone could approve?

This lesson discusses how various organizational structures can improve decision-making skills

and the productivity of an organization.