b) Distinguish between flat and tall organizational structure. (2 marks)

Answer 1

A flat organizational structure is characterized by few layers of management and a wide span of control. In this structure, there are relatively few levels between the entry-level employees and the top-level executives. This allows for a more decentralized decision-making process and promotes open communication and collaboration among employees. It is typically found in small organizations or startups.

On the other hand, a tall organizational structure has multiple hierarchical levels and narrow spans of control. It is more typical in larger organizations with complex operations and a need for stricter control and coordination. Each level of management has a limited number of subordinates, resulting in a longer chain of command. This can lead to slower decision-making and limited communication and collaboration among employees due to the increased layers of bureaucracy.