Question

Select an organization of your choice. You may select a company you have worked for, would like to work for, or design your own organization. Another option is to select two of the most admired companies or two companies of your choice and determine the organizational design and structures they use. In an essay, address the following topics:
? Describe organizational functions as they relate to the organizational structure, culture, and design of the organization(s).

? Define and provide an example of how the organization’s design can help a company.
o Achieve a competitive advantage
o Deal with contingencies
o Increase efficiency and

Answer 1

The company Apple founded by Steve Jobs which provides the latest range of I-phone and other gadgets has an organisational structure and design which can be described as hierarchical . This structure of Apple was developed by the former CEO late Steve Jobs in order to ensure the focused realization of innovative ideas and creation. Though , some modifications have been made in the structure after Steve Jobs death by Tim Cook. Tim Cook bring out decentralisation for decision making to enhance innovation and creativity from various levels. Apple organisational design can be seen through their product based grouping. Each product within the portfolio such as i-pad, MacBook, i-phone , Apple tv etc.

Now talkng about the organisational functions . Apple's executive members reveal how strong and different this company is in terms of functions . Each executive is specialised in their own function . Even the functional approach of Apple do has a limit. This company focuses more on function than the product.

According to Dr. Roger k.Allen organisational design is a step by step methodology that identifies dysfunctional aspects of work flow, procedures and structures , realign them to fit current business realities and develope plan to implement the changes. Organisational design is the major contribution to the Apple innovation even the organisational design creates the prospects of future growth for the Apple.

One of the reason for gaining competitive advantage against competition is because of organisational design as it helps the company to develope latest technology which brings in more customer even the customers has a brand loyalty towards the Apple.

Organisational design helps to design the structure in such a way which can easily deal with contingencies such as -

Strategy, environment,size of the organisation, age of the company and technology.

Overall organisational design do helps in increasing efficiency as the expertise people are hired too hardwork is done and focus is made on innovation and creation and even a strong control is their from the top executives do results in increased efficiency.