Mechanistic Versus Organic
Organizational structures vary in designs depending to the extent or type of key elements they have. The designs that will be discussed are “matrix structures”, “organic structures”, “hollow design” and one of the recent structure is “virtual organization” design. Designs can either be describe as “mechanistic” or “organic”. Keep in mind that there were decades in the past that reflect a certain organizational designs because of the change in environment or situations. This in turn made an impact on members of organizations.
Mechanistic
Mechanistic structure work on more stable environment, low differentiation of tasks, low integration of departments and functional areas, centralized decision-making and formalized and standardized tasks (Burns & Stalker, 2010).
Organic
Organic structures work on uncertain and dynamic environment, tasks is more differentiated, different department and functional sections are closely integrated, lower levels of staffs are empowered and therefore decision making is decentralized, and minor tasks is standardized and formalized (Burns & Stalker, 2010). Google adopts this type of model that aligns with their culture (Deutschman, 2010). Althougth supervisors are responsible in managing employees, these employees see their supervisors as leaders than managers because they choose their metric for tracking to achieve their goals (Deutschman, 2010). The employees sense the cross-functional leadership environment within the company (2010).
In the 70’s organizational designs were more “self-contained” where their was more “clear boundaries” of the firm with the suppliers and customers (Anand & Daft, 2007, p. 1). Companies such as Planters Peanuts uses a “horizontal” mechanism by which responsibilities of product sales, advertising and distribution are all handled by the brand manager (Anand & Daft, 2007, p.