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Key Topics

• Structures
• Hierarchy
• Span Of Control
• Chain Of Command
• Decentralisation

What's meant by the structure of a business? How does it affect the way a business operates? What happens when a company's structure hinders rather than helps its business?

INTRODUCTION 14 mins
All businesses have structures. Some may be hierarchical, some may be flat. But how does the structure affect the way decisions are taken? What's meant by the "span of control" and the "chain of command"? What's the difference between a centralised and a decentralised organisation?

Organisations sometimes create "silos" in which people in different departments become divorced from one another. Companies like General Mills try to avoid this problem by building cross-functional teams.

CASE STUDIES 10 mins
Manufacturing company Blakeway calls in a consultant to take a look at the way the company is structured. Does the structure help - or hinder - their business? The company is hierarchical - but is this necessarily a bad thing? What do the workers think? Is the company losing out because workers aren't encouraged to contribute? The consultant delivers her verdict - but will the company's boss take action?

CHANGING STRUCTURES: AN EXPERT'S VIEW 7 mins
What problems come when you try to change an organisation's structure? Is change always a good idea? A consultant gives a view from the sharp end.