Systems Leadership, 2nd Edition

CHAPTER 10 Organisational Structure and Authorities

 

 

Levels of Work and Organisational Levels

In much of the management literature, the structure of an organisation is treated as ‘boxes on a chart’ – only vaguely related to ‘how things really work around here’. As a result, structure is often perceived as an impediment rather than an opportunity to clarify roles, relationships and authorities.

We argue that, when an organisation is established to achieve a purpose, that structure is the framework for the distribution of authority and work. Structure involves vertical, horizontal and diagonal relationships. The vertical, or managerial, structure forms the spine of the organisation, though it often gets muddled because most organisations ...