Evaluate an existing organizational structure. You will recommend structural changes that can help address the organization’s concerns regarding collaboration, communication, and autonomy.
Scenario
You work for an organization that has traditionally been very formalized, and managers have had a very broad span of control over direct reports from multiple departments and functions. This worked well in the past; managers were able to oversee a high number of direct reports because there were many rules and regulations dictating how their work should be performed. However, there were downsides. Employee talent was underused, and there wasn’t a strong team culture, as most work was done independently according to standard operating processes.
Recently, the organization started shifting to less formalized working structures to support more creative, innovative work and provide employees with more autonomy. While employees are happy with the purpose of these new changes, managers are feeling overwhelmed, and employees are feeling a loss of support. This shift has impacted function-specific work the most because, in the past, managers didn’t need to understand in-depth, function-specific tasks, such as the technical aspects of graphic design work or the intricacies of project management. Instead, they had the ability to rely on rules, regulations, and standard operating processes.
You have been asked to collaborate with the human resources department to recommend a new organizational structure. This new structure should address the following goals:
Reduce the burden on managers.
Improve communication across teams.
Enhance support for employees in function-specific tasks.
Preserve the autonomy and creativity that employees value in the new working environment.
Your task is to design a structure that achieves these goals. Clearly explain how your proposed changes will address the issues the organization is experiencing while aligning with its long-term vision.
Directions
In this two-part assignment, you will create an organizational structure chart and a written explanation for your changes.
Use the Module Six Assignment Template, linked in the What to Submit section below, to create an updated organizational structure chart for the organization.
Then, in a separate Microsoft Word document, write a brief explanation of your recommended changes and how they will impact both organizational communication and overall team dynamics.
Specifically, you must address the following rubric criteria:
Updated Organizational Structure Chart: Create an updated organizational structure chart that addresses management and communication concerns.
Explanation of Changes: Explain your reasoning for why you made the changes you did to the company’s organizational structure. Include how your changes differ from the original and why you believe they would benefit the organization.
Impact on Organizational Communication: Describe the impact these changes will have on the company’s overall organizational communication.
Impact on Team Communication: Describe the impact these changes will have on the company’s overall team communication and reporting structure