Organisational Structures Pt 1 1Theory 3

Business Information Systems

Fisher Engineering

• Clearly, this is an example of a tall structure

• There are recognisable layers to the organisation.

• There is a clear division of operations in the organisation

Purchasing Production

Sales Accounts

Warehouse Contracts Works Technical

Domestic Promotion Wages Budgets / Costs

Organisational Structures Pt 1 2Theory 3

Business Information Systems

Fisher Engineering

• What is missing from this organisional chart?

• Junior Management / Supervisors

• Workforce.

• Tip: do not forget to appreciate their absence when considering your answer for this Assignment.

Organisational Structures Pt 1 3Theory 3

Business Information SystemsFisher Engineering

Who, or what is a Company Secretary?

• They are a Senior Administrator.

• Usually without a department.

• May have a small team to assist them, or a secretary.

• Can make some policy decisions without Board approval.

• Often the Personal Assistant (PA) to the MD.

• Will normally have the responsibility of being the “Clerk to the Board”, ie, PA to the Board.

Organisational Structures Pt 1 4Theory 3

Business Information SystemsRogers Mail Order

• Clearly, a flat structure.

• There are recognisable layers to the organisation.

• There is clear division of operations to the organisation

Sales Warehouse Dispatch

Phone Operators Warehouse Staff Packing Staff

Organisational Structures Pt 1 5Theory 3

Business Information Systems

Rogers Mail Order

Demarcation of Roles is not rigid

• All departments are encouraged to :-

• understand the workings of other departments

• know/do the jobs of other departments

• There is still a clear hierarchy and demarcation of responsibility, but :-

• staff “multi-role” in case of

• illness, absence, system failure, disaster.

Organisational Structures Pt 1 6Theory 3

Business Information SystemsOpinion• It is clear that these are examples of tall and flat structures. Agreed?

• As a result, what layers exist between the head of each organisation and the workforce?

• What are the benefits to each organisation for having such structures?

• Consider the types of communication flow. How “formal” or “casual” are they in these organisations?

• Has each organisation got a recognised system for communication; in your opinion?

• Consider the “time-lag” to communicating information in each organisation.

• Which example may be more dependent on ICT for their operational communication?