If you wanted to enhance the engagement and motivation of yo

If you wanted to enhance the engagement and motivation of your workforce, what organizational structure characteristics would you use? How much formalization, centralization, division of labor, span of control, and hierarchy would you recommend?

Solution

No one can point out a single organizational structure that suits best for companies. There are various organization structure and each has its own pros and cons. Each company needs to figure out which organization structure suit its functioning and choose accordingly. Sometimes companies mix and match various structure to create its own to suit its function and facilitates its employees. However, if from an employee point of view it is seen, most will prefer a Matrix Organizational structure. In this structure, all the employees are treated in the same way i.e. less formalization, labour is equally divided, information flow is parallel and all keep jovial and motivated to work-only one top executive who dircts all the work. Though, this structure has its con too in terms of loose span of control and buildit up of casual attitudes among employees.

Choice of a particular structure or a mix of 2/ more structure, whichever is favorable, therefore completely depends on the type functions the organization have. A suggestion would be to keep a formal structure with matrix structure operating in various segment of its operations. This will help to ensure key decision making at the top and then the task is vested to the departments as well as a jovial and enthusiastic attitude within a particular team or segment. Some characteristics could be maintained as prescribed below:

Formalization: High formalization at the mangement and top management level with lower degree at the team level. But the team should know whose direction to follow i.e. unity of command should be ensured with appointment of a team leader/manager.

Centralization: Decision making ability should be vested with few at the top management but they should take into account the suggestions from the executive level i.e. the flow should be bottom->top->bottom. This will make the management take right decision with keeping emloyee welfare in mind and will keep employees motivated.

Division of Labor: Should have a proper division of labor and each employee should be aware of his or her role. A well described role helps the employee to focus on his/her role and yield high productivity for the company.Role of each department should also be defined.

Span of control : Span of controll should be well defined at the manegerial level and each manager should be aware of his/her subordinates.

Hierarchy: Hierarchy should be well maintained- strictly at the top level and somewhat loose at the team level. But, A team , though having a mtrix structure, should know whose direction to follow i.e. unity of command should be ensured with appointment of a team leader/manager.