Flat Organization
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“Market leaders win by building an adaptive, innovation-friendly organization, establishing an inspiring culture and empowering employees,” according to Learn Management 2. Flat organizations meet many of those goals. Flat organization is something of a misnomer, since they are not really flat--just flatter than tall organizations. Instead of “shifting the responsibility” up the management ladder, flat structures empower employees to take charge, help make decisions and feel responsible for the company’s success.
Structure
Flat organizations have relatively few--sometimes just one--layers of management. Unlike the tall structures common to many businesses, flat structures have a short chain of command and a wide span of managerial control. Span of control, originally a military term, refers to the number of subordinates that directly report to that manager. In a flat structure, more subordinates report to a single manager. Due to the reduced number of management layers, small organizations get the most out of flat structures.
Communication
Flat structure facilitates a greater level of communication between employees and management. They tend to be more democratic and offer a greater level of innovation. Communication is usually faster, more reliable and more effective than in tall structures. Direct staff input leads to more support for decisions and fewer behind-the-scenes power struggles and disagreements.
Decision Making
Lean and fit, flatter structures are more flexible and adaptable than taller structures. That level of flexibility means decisions are made on an “as needed” basis, which makes it easier to serve your clients. In a tall
Five Benefits of a Flat Type Organizational Structure
The Advantages of Flat Organizational Structure
Tall Vs. Flat Organizational Structure
Challenges of Flat Organizational Structure
The Difference Between Tall & Flat Organizational Structure
Bureaucratic Vs. Flat Organizational Structure
“Market leaders win by building an adaptive, innovation-friendly organization, establishing an inspiring culture and empowering employees,” according to Learn Management 2. Flat organizations meet many of those goals. Flat organization is something of a misnomer, since they are not really flat--just flatter than tall organizations. Instead of “shifting the responsibility” up the management ladder, flat structures empower employees to take charge, help make decisions and feel responsible for the company’s success.
Structure
Flat organizations have relatively few--sometimes just one--layers of management. Unlike the tall structures common to many businesses, flat structures have a short chain of command and a wide span of managerial control. Span of control, originally a military term, refers to the number of subordinates that directly report to that manager. In a flat structure, more subordinates report to a single manager. Due to the reduced number of management layers, small organizations get the most out of flat structures.
Communication
Flat structure facilitates a greater level of communication between employees and management. They tend to be more democratic and offer a greater level of innovation. Communication is usually faster, more reliable and more effective than in tall structures. Direct staff input leads to more support for decisions and fewer behind-the-scenes power struggles and disagreements.
Decision Making
Lean and fit, flatter structures are more flexible and adaptable than taller structures. That level of flexibility means decisions are made on an “as needed” basis, which makes it easier to serve your clients. In a tall
References: (5) About the Author Dana Griffin has written for a number of guides, trade and travel periodicals since 1999. She has also been published in "The Branson Insider" newspaper. Griffin is a CPR/first-aid instructor trainer for the American Red Cross, owns a business and continues to write for publications. She received a Bachelor of Arts in English composition from Vanguard University. Photo Credits flat men 6 image by chrisharvey from Fotolia.com