Articles: 1,400 · Readers: 740,000 · Views: 2,209,961 Mintzberg’s Theory of Organizational Structure, developed by Henry Mintzberg, is a model that describes five basic configurations of organizational design.
These configurations are based on the relationships between different parts of an organization and the dominant mechanisms used to coordinate their activities.
Here are the five configurations:
- Simple Structure: This is the most basic configuration, characterized by a centralized structure and direct supervision as the primary coordinating mechanism. It is typically found in small organizations with simple operations.
- Machine Bureaucracy: This configuration is characterized by a highly formalized and standardized structure, with a focus on efficiency and control. Just like bureaucracy. It is typically found in large organizations with stable environments.
- Professional Bureaucracy: This configuration is similar to the machine bureaucracy, but with a greater emphasis on the expertise and autonomy of professionals. It is typically found in organizations where specialized knowledge is critical, such as hospitals or universities.
- Divisional Structure: This configuration is characterized by a decentralized structure, with different divisions operating as semi-autonomous units. It is typically found in large organizations with diverse product lines or markets.
- Adhocracy: This configuration is characterized by a flexible and adaptable structure, with a focus on innovation and problem-solving. It is typically found in organizations operating in dynamic and complex environments.
Mintzberg’s model has been influential in the field of organizational design, providing a framework for understanding and analyzing different organizational structures.
It is important to note that these configurations are ideal types, and real-world organizations may exhibit characteristics of multiple configurations.
