Give an example of how each of the following management structures affects the day-today
work of an organization.
1. Departmentalization-
2. Matrix Organizations
3. The Project Team
4. The Collegial Model
1. Departmentalization: Departmentalization refers to the process of dividing an organization into different departments or units based on similar functions, products, geographic locations, or customer segments. The effect of departmentalization on the day-to-day work of an organization can be seen in the following example:
Let's say a company has departmentalized its organization based on functions such as marketing, operations, finance, and human resources. In this setup, employees who specialize in marketing would be grouped together in the marketing department, while those responsible for operations would be part of the operations department, and so on.
The day-to-day work in a departmentalized organization would involve employees focusing on their specific roles and responsibilities within their respective departments. For instance, the marketing department would handle marketing campaigns, market research, and advertising efforts, while the operations department would deal with production, supply chain management, and logistics.
2. Matrix Organizations: A matrix organization is a hybrid management structure where employees report to multiple supervisors or managers based on both functional and project-based lines. This structure allows employees to work on different projects while still being a part of their functional departments. Here's an example of how a matrix organization affects the day-to-day work of an organization:
Suppose a company has a matrix structure where employees from different functional areas, such as marketing, finance, and IT, work together on specific projects. In this case, an employee from the marketing department might be assigned to a project that requires collaboration with the finance and IT departments.
On a day-to-day basis, employees in a matrix organization would need to balance their responsibilities between their functional roles and project tasks. They would have to report to both their functional managers for routine work in their department and project managers for project-related tasks. This structure promotes cross-functional collaboration and allows employees to develop skills across different areas.
3. The Project Team: The project team management structure is designed around project-based work, where employees are assigned to specific projects for a temporary period. The effect of this structure on the day-to-day work of an organization can be understood through the following example:
Consider a software development company that organizes its workforce into project teams. Each team is responsible for developing a specific software application or implementing a particular project for a client. These teams would comprise individuals from different functional areas, such as developers, designers, quality analysts, and project managers.
In this setup, the day-to-day work revolves around the project requirements. The team members collaborate, plan, and execute tasks according to the project schedule. They communicate and coordinate with each other to ensure timely completion of deliverables. Once the project is completed, team members may be reassigned to a new project or another team, depending on the organizational needs.
4. The Collegial Model: The collegial model is a management structure where decisions are made collectively by a group of individuals with expertise in their respective areas. It emphasizes a cooperative and collaborative working environment. Here's an example of how the collegial model affects the day-to-day work of an organization:
Imagine a research institute that follows a collegial management structure. Researchers and experts from different fields work together to conduct research, share knowledge, and make collective decisions about the research activities.
In this model, the day-to-day work involves regular collaboration and communication among the employees. They discuss ideas, share expertise, and seek consensus when making decisions. There is a high level of teamwork and mutual respect, as everyone's opinions are valued and considered. This structure promotes an environment of continuous learning, innovation, and problem-solving.