Why Do Structures Differ?

We’ve described many organization design options. Exhibit 15-6 recaps our discussions by presenting two extreme models of organizational design. One we call the mechanistic model. It’s generally synonymous with the bureaucracy in that it has highly standardized processes for work, high formalization, and more managerial hierarchy. The other extreme is the organic model. It’s flat, has fewer formal procedures for making decisions, has multiple decision makers, and favors flexible practices.33

An illustration shows the contrast between the mechanistic model and the organic model along with the main features of each model.

Exhibit 15-6

Mechanistic vs. Organic Models

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