Quality in the Era of Industry 4.0

8Emerging Organizational Changes in the 21st Century

The narrative of organizational structures is one of perpetual evolution, spurred by technological progress, societal dynamics, and economic fluctuations [1]. These evolutions span from rigid hierarchies to agile, networked frameworks, with goals of increased productivity, fostering innovation, and promoting employee satisfaction. As we delve deeper into the 21st century, the pace of these transformations appears to be accelerating, posing both trials and opportunities for contemporary businesses and professionals.

From the era of the Second Industrial Revolution, firms were designed into inflexible, hierarchical configurations, often depicted as traditional pyramid structures. This structure was efficient for coordinating large‐scale undertakings, preserving a transparent chain of command, and retaining accountability. However, with the emergence of a knowledge‐based economy, the downsides of these hierarchical organizations became apparent. The insular thinking and lack of agility inherent in these structures were incompatible with an increasingly intricate and swiftly changing business landscape [2].

This prompted a shift toward flatter organizational structures, notably among technology companies and startups. These organizations stressed open dialogue, prompt decision‐making, and a stronger focus on innovation. Yet, while bringing significant enhancements, these models also introduced their own challenges, such as ambiguity ...