Why Do Structures Differ?
5 Contrast the reasons for mechanistic and organic structural models.
We’ve described many organization design options. Exhibit 15-7 recaps our discussions by presenting two extreme models of organizational design. One we’ll call the mechanistic model. It’s generally synonymous with the bureaucracy in that it has highly standardized processes for work, high formalization, and more managerial hierarchy. The other extreme is the organic model. It’s flat, has fewer formal procedures for making decisions, has multiple decision makers, and favors flexible practices.39
With these two models in mind, let’s ask a few questions: Why are some organizations structured along more mechanistic lines whereas others follow organic characteristics? ...
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