Learn how to develop a framework that gives members clear guidelines on building organizational structure, and keeping the organization functional. Show
What is organizational structure?By structure, we mean the framework around which the group is organized, the underpinnings which keep the coalition functioning. It's the operating manual that tells members how the organization is put together and how it works. More specifically, structure describes how members are accepted, how leadership is chosen, and how decisions are made. Why should you develop a structure for your organization?
When should you develop a structure for your organization?It is important to deal with structure early in the organization's development. Structural development can occur in proportion to other work the organization is doing, so that it does not crowd out that work. And it can occur in parallel with, at the same time as, your organization's growing accomplishments, so they take place in tandem, side by side. This means that you should think about structure from the beginning of your organization's life. As your group grows and changes, so should your thinking on the group's structure. Elements of StructureWhile the need for structure is clear, the best structure for a particular coalition is harder to determine. The best structure for any organization will depend upon who its members are, what the setting is, and how far the organization has come in its development. Regardless of what type of structure your organization decides upon, three elements will always be there. They are inherent in the very idea of an organizational structure. They are:
Governance The first element of structure is governance - some person or group has to make the decisions within the organization. Rules by which the organization operates Another important part of structure is having rules by which the organization operates. Many of these rules may be explicitly stated, while others may be implicit and unstated, though not necessarily any less powerful. Distribution of work Inherent in any organizational structure also is a distribution of work. The distribution can be formal or informal, temporary or enduring, but every organization will have some type of division of labor. There are four tasks that are key to any group:
Common RolesEvery group is different, and so each will have slightly different terms for the roles individuals play in their organization, but below are some common terms, along with definitions and their typical functions.
Although this list is pretty extensive, your organization may only use two or three of the above mentioned roles, especially at the beginning. It's not uncommon for a group to start with a steering committee, ask others to serve as board members, and then recruit volunteers who will serve as members of action committees. In this broad spectrum of possibilities, consider: Where does your organization fit in? Where do you want to be? Examples of StructureSo how can all of these pieces be put together? Again, the form a community group takes should be based on what it does, and not the other way around. The structures given are simply meant to serve as examples that have been found to be effective for some community-based organizations; they can and should be adapted and modified for your own group's purposes. A relatively complex structure
In diagram form, a complex organization might look like this: And in diagram form:
As smaller size means fewer people, these groups are usually less complex, as they have less need for a formal hierarchy and instead have governance that is consensus-based. A diagram of such a small group might look something like this, with each of the circles representing an individual member: What type of structure should you choose?First, decide upon the formality your organization will have. The following table, adapted from The Spirit of Coalition Building can help you make this first decision.
Organizational structure is something that is best decided upon internally, through a process of critical thinking and discussion by members of the group. In your discussions, your answers to the following list of questions may guide your decisions.
In SummaryStructure is what ensures that your organization will function smoothly and as you intended. You should think about structure early in the development of your organization, but be aware that the type that fits best may change as your organization grows. Which term describes a system for accomplishing?Terms in this set (16) Which term describes a system for accomplishing and connecting the activities that occur within a work organization? Organizational structure.
What is the type of change called when leaders assume that employees will change if they can be inspired to aim for greater degrees of excellence in their work?In deficit-based change, leaders assume that employees will change if they can be inspired to aim for greater degrees of excellence in their work.
Which of these refers to small refinements in current organizational practices or routines?Incremental change refers to small refinements in current organizational practices or routines that do not challenge, but rather build on or improve, existing aspects and practices within the organization.
What is the organization structure?An organizational structure is a system that outlines how certain activities are directed in order to achieve the goals of an organization. These activities can include rules, roles, and responsibilities. The organizational structure also determines how information flows between levels within the company.
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