What Is Organization Design?

Organizational design is a process used to increase the probability of success of an organization. In more specific terms, it is when the personnel, information and technology of an organization are integrated in a formal process. It is a design that serves in most cases as a template to what the organization has set aside to achieve. In some organization it is the template that covers the objectives, mission and vision. This design helps to improve the probability of success.

The organization design varies from one establishment to another but there is a consensus in what it entails. Generally, it entails the processes that go into the restructuring or redefining of an organization in order to give a definite structure that encompasses the roles of the organization. For some organization the processes involve aligning the merits and talents of the personnel with the structure and process of the organization.

What are the Benefits of Organizational Designs?

Where there is poor or no organizational designs, there are numerous contractions. This is the first thing that a proper design addresses. It addresses the functions of individuals in a team, the role of every person and a proper description of their duties.

It gives room for ideas to be shares and in the process hastens the process of decision making. It gives the managers less stress and help to avoid unnecessary complexity. It helps to itemize problems that would have been easily overlooked and points out opportunities that should be explored.

Types of Organizational Designs

The types of organizational designs available are classified into two main categories. These categories are

• Traditional
• Contemporary

Each of these designs has its peculiarity. The traditional design further encompasses the divisional structures, functional functions and simple structures. On the other hand the contemporary designs include more complexity such as the learning of the organization, the boundary less organization, the team structure, the project structure and the matrix structures.

Key Element elements in Organizational designs

Irrespective of the type of organizational design that a company opts for; there are some key elements that cannot be overlooked. These elements include Work Specialization, Departmentalization, Chain of Command, Span of Control, Centralization and Formalization.

Each of these elements play vital role in determine what the design will be. It is impossible to determine which type of design that will work best. Even for a sole proprietor, it is still necessary to have a structured design. Many a time, the purposes of which a business, team or an organization exist serve as the pivot for the design.

Osagu, Joseph Chinalu is a freelance writer. He resides in Nigeria and writes on a variety of subjects.

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