Question

Discuss 3 types of division oriented organization structures, giving an example of each. as a manager, discuss 3 integrative approaches for improving communication (across the structure), and give an example of each and describe how it improves communication

Answer 1

Answer 1: Following are the three types of organizational structures that are divisionally oriented with an example of each explained below:

1) Functional Structure of a firm:

• It is the type of divisional organization structure where each portion of the firm is grouped as per its purpose & divided across the overall firm at all levels.
• For example- The firm may be divided based on the functions as marketing department, finance department, sales department & production department so on which all these departments with specific function/niche are integrated with the organizational boundaries thereby help the firm in taking decisions holistically.

2) Divisional Structure of a firm:

• This type of structure is oriented typically in big firms that operate at a wide geographic sphere or may have separate smaller firms within thier umbrella that cover the different types of goods/services or market areas.
• To illustrate- currently, defunct Tecumseh Products firm was organized divisionally with a small engine division, parts divisions for each geographic spheres to handle/match specific needs at all levels.

3) Matrix Structure of a firm:

• Here it is the third type of organizational structure which is oriented as a hybrid of divisional as well as functional structures as stated above. Where it is adopted only by large MNC's where both the structure can be operated at a single firm.
• To illustrate- this type of structure creates power struggles whereby most areas of the firm in this type have dual management in which a functional manager or a product or divisional manager is working at a similar level by covering some of the same managerial geographical territories.

Answer 2: Following are three integrative approaches for improving communication across all the structures of the firm with an example of each is explained below:

1) Building a communication Strategy:

• Here the managers to improve the communication at all structures must integrate the communication to the strategic plan including the firm's vision, mission & thereby its strategic goals/objectives addition to its employment brand.
• To illustrate- the manager can adopt the highly effective strategies that are often top-down from senior management to lower level cascading all the structures, adapting the various types of communication vehicles based on the message to be delivered with unique issues associated with it, method of taking & giving feedback using its shape to follow up messages at all structures, with the customized delivery approach with communication materials which are easy to understand can be applied to overcome all the issues related to integrated communication at all levels.

2) Building the constituencies for communication:

• The top-level managers as CEO or senior executive are help responsible for setting the integrative communication mechanisms which flow the information at all structures of the firm.
• To illustrate on this approach- the managers held responsible to adjust the communication chain of command at all the structures to meet their work goals, addition to that to improve the communication the manager must integrate every level managers to have communication check with peer to peer connectivity, listen to the voice concerns thereby take feedback & provide feedback to overcome the communication challenges at any of the structured as stated.

3) Training on various communication issues:

• Here this is also one type of measure the manager can use to overcome the challenges of communication on organizational structural issues by going with training on communication & understanding the core issues.
• To illustrate- the manager can work on company communication policies, take consideration of various communication channels used, & thereby train the peers with appropriate training initiatives/mechanisms used to overcome the communication issues at all the structures.