Discuss if the organizational structure is supported by theory or not. Organizational structure defines the hierarchy within an organization by identifying each job and where it reports to within the organization.
Explain the organizational structure where you work or an organization you are familiar, including an organizational chart, you may remove specific names.
Discuss if the organizational structure is supported by theory or not
Describe the formal leadership
Describe the informal leadership
Discuss the importance of informal leadership, is informal leadership a positive or negative influence?
Reading and Resources
Review chapters 1-3 in Marquis, B. L., & Huston, C. J. (2021). Leadership roles and management functions in nursing: Theory and application. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.
Deschamps, C., Rinfret, N., Lagacé, M. C., & Privé, C. (2016). Transformational leadership and change: How leaders influence their followers’ motivation through organizational justice. Journal Of Healthcare Management, 61(3), 194-212.
Review chapters 4 & 6 in Marquis, B. L., & Huston, C. J. (2017). Leadership roles and management functions in nursing: Theory and application. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer.
Stewart, K. R. (2017). SBAR, communication, and patient safety: An integrated literature review. Medsurg Nursing, 26(5), 297-305.
Review: IOM Future of Nursing Report
Review: Campaign for Action Resource
Overview
Organizational structure aligns and relates parts of an organization, so it can achieve its maximum performance. The structure chosen affects an organization’s success in carrying out its strategy and objectives. Leadership should understand the characteristics, benefits and limitations of various organizational structures to assist in this strategic alignment.
This article addresses the following topics related to organizational structure:
Background
Organizational structure is the method by which workflows through an organization. It allows groups to work together within their individual functions to manage tasks. Traditional organizational structures tend to be more formalized—with employees grouped by function (such as finance or operations), region, or product line. Less traditional structures are more loosely woven and flexible, with the ability to respond quickly to changing business environments.
Organizational structures have evolved since the 1800s. In the Industrial Revolution, individuals were organized to add parts to the manufacture of the product moving down the assembly line. Frederick Taylor’s scientific management theory optimized the way tasks were performed, so workers performed only one task in the most efficient way. In the 20th century, General Motors pioneered a revolutionary organizational design in which each major division made its own cars.
Today, organizational structures are changing swiftly—from virtual organizations to other flexible structures. As companies continue to evolve and increase their global presence, future organizations may embody a fluid, free-forming organization, member ownership and an entrepreneurial approach among all members.