Evaluating Organizational Structure Is conceptual maps that indicate what
More Art Than Science functions and services are provided by
various organizational units are useful in
Evaluating organizational structure is more identifying duplicate services provided by
art than science. Computer models that more than one organizational unit and areas
systematically evaluate spans of control and where functional or service gaps exist.
the number of supervisory levels in an
organization tend to be of limited usefulness Creating Recommendations Tailored To
in determining what type of organizational An Organization’s Unique Needs
structure is needed because the appropriate
organizational arrangements can vary While analytical tools are useful in
significantly depending on the functions diagnosing organizational problems, they
performed in a unit and the skills, are less useful in developing organizational
experience, and competencies of the people solutions to those problems – that is where
performing those functions. The key the “art” of organizational design comes into
question to be asked when evaluating play. To be effective, organizational
organizational arrangement is not how recommendations must be tailored to the
many people are in management and unique needs of the organization being
supervisory positions but what value does evaluated.
each management and supervisory position
create. Management and supervisory Guiding Organizational Principles
positions that do not create value
commensurate to their costs should be Regardless of the unique needs of the
eliminated or restructured. By contrast, organization being evaluated, sound
management and supervisory positions that organizational principles should guide the
create significant value for an organization development of organizational structure.
should be retained even if a computer The following organizational principles...