Organisational Change

5.8.1 Structure

In Chapter 1, we discussed structural issues such as work specialisation, span of control, and various organisational designs. But organisational structures are not set in concrete. Changing conditions demand structural changes. As a result, the change agent might need to modify the organisation's structure.

An organisation's structure is defined by how tasks are formally divided, grouped, and co-ordinated. Change agents can alter one or more of the key elements in an organisation's design. For instance, departmental responsibilities can be combined, vertical layers removed, and spans of control widened to make the organisation flatter and less bureaucratic. More rules and procedures can be implemented to increase standardisation. ...