Systems Leadership, 2nd Edition

CHAPTER 9 Levels of Work Complexity

 

 

Organising Work

Large organisations are characterised by layers or levels of structure. We refer in general terms to shop floor, operators, even workers. We talk about supervisors and first-line managers, then middle managers, executives, managing directors, vice presidents, presidents, chief operating officers and chief executive officers. In the civil and public service and the armed services there are ranks and grades forming a quite deliberate hierarchy. Even in smaller organisations there are managers and reporting structures. People over the years have criticised or attacked hierarchy but it is surprisingly robust and can be traced back through history (Jaques, 1976; 1990). Notable writers such ...