What organizational structures work best in unstable complex changing environments?

Unit 3: Organizational Functions and Values Introduction

A critical component of achieving success within an organizational structure is to have a basic

understanding of how the organization designs and delegates functions across different departments. By

identifying a department’s role within an organization, you will more easily be able to articulate the

operational imperatives of the department. This in turn will help you to understand the ethical concerns

of the department.

To sustain and grow your career, it is necessary to understand what core skills and responsibilities are

associated with the position of manager at the various levels of an organization. In this unit, you will

explore what it means to be a leader and how leadership can transform careers and entire organizations.

Module 3: Key Operational Functions

Do you ever wonder what functions your coworkers perform for work each day? You may have an idea of

what other departments do, but you may be unsure how it all fits together. When you are busy

with your own responsibilities, it is easy to overlook the work of other departments and the fact

that you are all working to fulfill the mission of your organization.

To succeed as an employee in any organization, it is important to recognize the functions and

responsibilities within the different departments in order to collaborate and work effectively

with each one. It is also important to recognize the organizational structure and chain of

command. Most organizations have several levels of management with increasing

responsibilities and number of employee reports. However, any employee, regardless of

position, can serve as a leader by helping informally lead other employees.

In this module, you will explore common business organizational structures and the distinctive functions

and responsibilities of different departments. You will also investigate common organizational

concepts such as process management and relationship management and differentiate between

management and leadership.

As you go through this module, reflect on how you can use your skills as part of a multi-departmental

company. Consider how you can collaborate and work more effectively with various departments

and how you can increase your value to your organization.

Lesson 5: Key Operational Functions of Different Departments in an Organization

Lesson Introduction

Which structure is most appropriate when the environment is stable?

What are the 4 types of organizational structures?

What is the most complex form of organizational structure?

What kind of structure that is more flexible and highly adaptable?