Using the Structural Theories Lens
Which are based on the structural theories lens help you better understand your organization. Include in your discussion thread the strengths and weaknesses of this lens for gaining that understanding. You do not have to share your views on each of the guiding questions.
Guiding Questions
What is the chain of command in your organization?
a. What is the formal authority in the organization?
b. That is, who has economic, legal, contractual, collegial authority?
Describe the span of control in the organization.
a. How many people report to managers at various levels?
b. How many levels exist in the organization?
Describe the departmentalization structures of the organization.
Where are decisions being made in the organization?
Explain where your organization sits on the centralized/decentralized continuum.
Are the staff/line distinctions being maintained in your organization?
Note, this assignment should not be a reiteration of the answers you use in your case study, rather, for the discussion, you are being asked to discuss how answering the questions help you to better understand your organization. Explain how the questions have helped you understand your organization better. For example, when discussing your views on the structural theories lens, you might say “viewing the chain of command helped me to realize…” or “after considering the span of control, it is clear that…”
