Information Nation: Seven Keys to Information Management Compliance, Second Edition

Chapter 14. A Sample Information Management Organizational Structure

Although the number of possible ways to create an Information Management organizational structure is probably the same as the number of different organizations doing business, there are some basic concepts that all organizations can use.

This chapter presents one possible model for an Information Management organizational structure. It is based on models used by many large institutions across the country. Its specific makeup and components will vary by organization, depending on size and other factors, but the basic elements and approach should help all organizations evaluate their approach to Information Management.

About This Model

This model Information Management organizational structure is designed for a large company with a central corporate entity and several business units that operate with varying degrees of independence from the corporate entity. Both the corporate office and the business units are further divided into departments. Smaller organizations also need to ensure that they have an organizational structure appropriate to ensure IMC, even though they may not have the human or financial resources to adopt a model with the scale of the one outlined here.

The model structure is designed to be implemented by a central corporate entity, which then "distributes" the structure to the various units in such a way that there is consistency across the entire organization, yet enough flexibility for "special ...