Question

Question one
The structure of an organization can be defined simply as the sum total of the ways in which its labor is divided into distinct tasks and then its coordination is achieved among these tasks, (Jones, 2007). The effectiveness of a structure is ascertained by how it facilitates the attainment of organizational goals. In doing so, a structure influences a number of things in the organisation. Explain how structure affects the following:
i) What employees pay attention to
ii) Ease of coordinating activities
iii) Speed of producing goods/services
iv) Nature and extent of supervision required
v) Whom employees interact and build relationships with

Answer 1

The structure of an organization plays a pivotal role in shaping various aspects of employee behavior and organizational performance. Here’s how structure impacts the listed areas:

### i) What Employees Pay Attention To

Organizational structure determines the priorities and focus areas for employees. A hierarchical structure may lead employees to pay more attention to directives from higher management, focusing on achieving specific targets or goals set by superiors. In contrast, a flat structure could encourage a broader perspective, where employees pay more attention to team collaboration and peer input. Additionally, structures with strong functional divisions may prioritize specialized tasks, leading employees to concentrate on specific areas of their expertise rather than the organization’s overall objectives.

### ii) Ease of Coordinating Activities

The structure of an organization directly influences the ease with which activities are coordinated. In a well-defined structure, roles and responsibilities are clear, facilitating smooth collaboration and communication between departments. Conversely, a poorly defined or overly complex structure may lead to confusion and miscommunication, making coordination difficult. For instance, functional organizations may excel in coordinating within departments, while matrix structures are designed to enhance cross-functional coordination but may introduce challenges in authority and responsibility.

### iii) Speed of Producing Goods/Services

The organizational structure can either accelerate or hinder the production process. A streamlined and efficient structure, such as a lean or agile framework, can minimize bureaucratic delays and allow for quicker decision-making, thereby enhancing the speed of goods or services delivery. On the other hand, a rigid hierarchical structure may slow down the production process due to multiple layers of approval and communication, leading to inefficiencies and longer lead times.

### iv) Nature and Extent of Supervision Required

Organizational structure determines the degree of supervision necessary for employees to perform their tasks effectively. In a centralized and hierarchical structure, there tends to be more supervision, as managers closely oversee employees' work to ensure alignment with organizational goals. Conversely, in decentralized or flat structures, employees often have more autonomy and less need for direct supervision, as they are encouraged to take initiative and make decisions independently. The extent of supervision also varies based on the complexity of tasks; more complex tasks may require more intensive supervision regardless of structure.

### v) Whom Employees Interact and Build Relationships With

The design of an organization influences the social dynamics and interactions among employees. In a functional structure, individuals tend to interact more frequently with colleagues from their own department, which can foster strong departmental relationships but may limit cross-departmental collaboration. In contrast, matrix structures encourage employees to work with various team members across different functions, thereby broadening their network and fostering diverse relationships. Organizational structure thus shapes informal networks, communication patterns, and collaborative opportunities, all of which are crucial for innovation and problem-solving.

In summary, the structure of an organization plays a critical role in influencing employee focus, coordination, production efficiency, supervision needs, and interpersonal relationships, ultimately affecting the overall organizational performance and success in achieving goals.