Question

Suppose that a small company that makes a standardized product is experiencing an increase in sales even though it has a small geographic footprint. Currently, the founder makes all of the strategic decisions but is beginning to feel overwhelmed. She has decided to pursue a cost-leadership strategy going forward. In order for the firm to achieve its goals, which of the following business-level structures should the firm adopt?
a. an ambidextrous functional structure
b. a centralized functional structurea flexible organic structure
c. a centralized multidivisional structure
d. a simple structure with the founder's imprint

Answer 1

Answer: b. a centralized functional structure

Explanation:

Cost Leadership refers to a situation where a company is better at cost management that other companies in the industry. If a company can produce at a lower cost, they can capture more market share and be more profitable.

When a company wants to engage in cost Leadership one of the best structures to adopt is the Centralised functional structure. This is when decisions are usually made at a top management level in a company that is divided by functions such as Information Technology, Sales, Marketing etc.

By making the structure centralised, the company can make Standardised products on a company wide basis which is very effective in cost saving as the company is able to plan better and spend less because they will be buying resources and producing in bulk. That advantage from Economies of Scale will keep their costs low.