In all organization, effective management is key to growth and success. This is because good management principles encourage goal-setting, planning, team-work as well as the effective implementation of projects. As a result, there’s clear direction for the organization through the communication of its vision.
To this end, management structures ensure organizational growth and profitable returns for stakeholders. Choosing the right structure engenders good relationship between employees and managers and fosters efficient work practice and productivity.
In this article, we’ll be looking at the different management structures with a view to helping you ascertain the most appropriate for your organization.
The Mechanic Management Structure
This management structure is used in companies where dealing with complex tasks is a daily activity. More often than not in this system, employees are saddled with highly specialized tasks which often requires their specialization, skill and maximum output.
As a management structure, its merit also lies in the fact that it improves technical processes, which augurs well for central control as well as ensuring the right channeling of information within an organization (from top-to-bottom).
Its downside, however, is its rigidity and its inability to adapt to a changing environment. As a result, organizations like this are unable to thrive in a highly competitive environment. Telecommunication companies are a good example.
Organic Structure
Unlike mechanic management structure, the organic structure is typified with flexible tasks and can adapt to changing environmental conditions. Its dynamic nature gives it a fighting chance in a fiercely competitive market.
Communication in the organic management structure is often somewhat conversational as against instructional. Also, it provides for fast decision making, which enhances the effective resolution of problems encountered in an organization.
Unfortunately, this same dynamic and flexible approach employed in the organic management structure isn’t conducive for the effective execution of large and complex tasks. Also, significant resources often have to be integrated into it to get massive work done. There’s also the problem of the command chain -whether long or short- not being easily deciphered.
The Functional Organizational Structure.
The functional organizational structure is credited for its ability to effectively compartmentalize an organization based on specific job types and function.
As a result, multiple units with similar job functions can always collaborate and work in unison for the greater productivity of the company. As for growth, this structure helps with easy scaling of processes, thus guaranteeing faster growth in the process.
As effective as it is, functional organizational structure’s weakness lies in its proclivity to discriminate amongst different job functions. The implication of this is the creation of barriers among two or more units within an organization.
Organizations with stakes in multiple industries and markets would probably find this management model unproductive.
Matrix Management Structure
The matrix organizational structure unlike most traditional, hierarchical models of management provides for a dual relationship of reporting among employees of an organization. Through this unique combination of teamwork, flexibility, accountability and more balanced decision-making results and outputs are better achieved.
Therefore, it is not surprising that diversified companies with different products and services use this management structure a lot. Matrix management makes allowance for the right channeling of information, thus bridging the typical communication gap between managers and employees.
However, it is not without its drawbacks. One of the main pitfalls of the matrix organizational structure is its tendency to be highly complex. If not well managed, this can lead to chaos in the organization.
Whatever management structure you choose, the important thing is to get work done speedily and effectively. There are tools that can be helpful in making this easier. For instance, task management tools like Scoro aid collaboration, improve workplace productivity and worker efficiency. Using these tools will guarantee better workplace output and better results.
The writer Oscar King is a small business owner and freelance writer who contributes articles and insight into running a smooth and effective office.Â
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