Question

Managers have to consider several contingencies when deciding on the best arrangements for their organizations. One such contingency is the organization's environment, and managers must determine whether a mechanistic or an organic structure will work better under their particular circumstances. This activity is important because the type of organizational structure chosen can be critical to an organization's success. The goal of this exercise is to test your knowledge of the characteristics of these two different organizational structures. Select the most appropriate category (mechanistic or organic structure) for each step of the characteristics of organizations.
1. Few rules and procedures (Click to select)
2. Narrow span of control (Click to select)
3. Specialized tasks (Click to select)
4. Many teams or task forces (Click to select)
5. Many rules and procedures (Click to select)
6. Decentralized hierarchy of authority (Click to select)
7. Flatter structure (Click to select)
8. Informal communication (Click to select)
9. Taller structure (Click to select)
10. Centralized hierarchy of authority (Click to select)
11. Wider span of control (Click to select)
12. Shared tasks (Click to select)
13. Formalized communication (Click to select)
14. Few teams or task forces (Click to select)
15. Best for companies operating in stable environments. (Click to select)
16. Best for companies that need to respond to rapidly changing consumer tastes. (Click to select)

Answer 1

Answer:

Mechanistic structures are more centralized in nature. This makes them rigid as decisions come from the top but because there is little micro-management, the company will rely on clear rules for employees to get things done. Communication is vertical.

Organic structures on the other hand, are more decentralized. Communication is horizontal but goes vertical as well and rules are more flexible.

Mechanistic Structure:

• Narrow span of control
• Specialized tasks
• Many teams or task forces
• Many rules and procedures
• Taller structure
• Centralized hierarchy of authority
• Formalized communication
• Best for companies operating in stable environments.

Organic Structures

• Few rules and procedures
• Decentralized hierarchy of authority.
• Flatter structure.
• Informal communication
• Wider span of control
• Shared tasks  
• Few teams or task forces
• Best for companies that need to respond to rapidly changing consumer tastes.