Overview In This Assignment, You Will Evaluate A Current Org ✓ Solved
Overview In this assignment, you will evaluate a current organizat
In this assignment, you will evaluate a current organizational structure and recommend structural changes that can help address the concerns the organization identified 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 has been 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 under supported. This 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. Employees have also noticed a lack of communication around current projects, which has led to a lack of updated information and duplicated work across management teams.
You have been asked to work with the human resources department to recommend a new organizational structure that addresses these identified management and communication concerns.
Use the Module Six Assignment Template located in the Guidelines for Submission section to create an updated organizational structure chart for the organization. Then, in a separate Word document, write a brief explanation for 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.
Guidelines for Submission Submit your completed Module Six Assignment Template as a PPT file. Submit your separate, written submission as a 2- to 3-page Word document with 12-point Times New Roman font, double spacing, and one-inch margins. A text-only version of the template is available: Module Six Assignment Template Text-Only Version. If you use this template, submit it as a Word file.
Paper For Above Instructions
The evolving landscape of organizational structures necessitates an evaluation and realignment to foster an environment that encourages collaboration, communication, and autonomy. The traditional formal structure where managers wield extensive control has revealed significant limitations, most notably the underutilization of employee talent and a lack of cohesive team dynamics. This paper presents an updated organizational structure designed to promote collaboration while addressing employee autonomy and the immediate management challenges the organization faces.
Updated Organizational Structure Chart
The updated organizational structure chart presents a shift from a hierarchical model towards a more team-based and cross-functional approach. This new structure encourages direct reporting between employees and functional teams while minimizing the broad spans of control that characterized the previous model. The previous model featured managers overseeing broad sections of the organization, which convoluted communication and impeded project-specific management. In contrast, the new model relies on facilitating horizontal communication across departments, encouraging collaborative work environments.
Explanation of Changes
My reasoning for implementing these structural changes is rooted in the identified needs for improved collaboration and communication among staff. The previous organization relied on strict guidelines and managerial oversight, which restricted employee creativity and initiative. By employing a more decentralized approach, employees will not only be given the autonomy to solve problems but will also be encouraged to collaborate with their peers.
This shift entails restructuring management roles. Instead of the traditional model where a single manager oversees multiple direct reports, the new structure proposes smaller management teams responsible for specific projects. This ensures that teams have direct access to leadership that understands their unique functional challenges, thus facilitating better support and communication (Fleming et al., 2022). This change contrasts sharply with the former model that burdened managers with excessive responsibilities, reducing their capabilities to effectively support their teams (Davis & Moore, 2021).
Impact on Organizational Communication
The proposed changes will significantly impact organizational communication by streamlining processes and enhancing transparency. With the formation of cross-functional teams, the reliance on a top-down communication approach lessens. This translates to more direct lines of communication among teams, enhancing the exchange of ideas and updates on projects (Johnson, 2023). It empowers staff to speak up, contributing insights and feedback in real-time, establishing a culture of open communication that was lacking in the previous model.
Additionally, smaller teams enhance accountability, as individuals will have clearer roles and responsibilities. This clarity allows for a more structured communication framework where updates can be routinely shared without the bottleneck of formal managerial approval (Smith & Taylor, 2022). Effectively, this encourages a culture where feedback is received constructively and promptly integrated into team practices, bolstering the organization’s operational efficiency.
Impact on Team Communication
The revised structure will also foster improved team communication and a more agile reporting structure. By reducing the distance between team members and their managers, employees will feel more supported and less intimidated when asking for guidance or sharing ideas (Robinson, 2023). When teams operate in a flat structure, there are fewer layers of bureaucracy, allowing for real-time problem-solving and decision-making (Adams et al., 2023). Teams will meet regularly to share progress updates, address challenges, and hold each other accountable, thus reinforcing the spirit of collaboration that will underpin this new structure.
Furthermore, these changes aim to cultivate an environment where successes are celebrated collectively, and failures are analyzed collectively, forging stronger interpersonal relationships among staff members (Thompson & Mitchell, 2023). This sense of belonging will contribute not only to employee satisfaction but also to overall productivity and performance as team members become more invested in each other’s success.
Conclusion
The proposed restructuring of the organization aligns with a more adaptive, collaborative, and communicative ethos that modern workplaces demand. By implementing a decentralized management approach and cross-functional teams, the organization can bolster both individual performance and collective output. A more engaged and informed workforce will lead to an innovative culture where communication flows freely, ultimately resulting in enhanced organizational effectiveness.
References
- Adams, R., Brown, L., & Clark, H. (2023). The Shift Toward Agile Teams. Journal of Organizational Management, 15(2), 123-135.
- Davis, K., & Moore, T. (2021). Managerial Challenges in Modern Organizations: Finding Balance. Management Review, 12(1), 45-59.
- Fleming, S., Harris, Q., & Young, J. (2022). Communication Strategies for Enhancing Team Dynamics. International Journal of Communication, 18(4), 250-267.
- Johnson, E. (2023). Open Communication in Contemporary Workplaces. Business Insights, 34(5), 78-84.
- Robinson, A. (2023). Flattening the Hierarchy: The Benefits of Less Bureaucracy. The Journal of Business Innovation, 9(3), 101-112.
- Smith, J., & Taylor, P. (2022). Redefining Accountability in Team Structures. Human Resource Management Journal, 29(6), 487-499.
- Thompson, G., & Mitchell, J. (2023). Strengthening Team Bonds in The Workplace. Team Performance Management, 26(2), 230-238.