Organizational Structure of MSD St. Louis
Organizational Structure of MSD St. Louis
Natasa Margraf-White
MGT/230
September 1, 2014
Cedrina Charbonnet
Organizational Structure of MSD St. Louis The structure of an organization is the foundation for which the functionality of a company is based. It establishes a chain of command, indicating the different levels of responsibility in regards to the hierarchy of the company, the delegation of duties and the decision making process that is utilized. For business large and small there are three general structure types to consider; vertical, horizontal, and matrix with each having their own strengths and weaknesses. For most the use of these structures is dependent on the size and complexity of the business and most often a company will incorporate different aspects of two or more structures. The concept of using aspects from multiple structures is something that can be viewed at MSD, a city municipality responsible for the “interception, collection and treatment of wastewater, as well as stormwater management”. (“MSD Responsibilities”, 2014)
MSD’s Organizational Structure As established MSD is an organization that utilizes multiple structures to maintain a functioning business, however the core organizational structure is vertical. The vertical structure as establish by Bateman and Snell (2011, p. 278) pertains to the “authority within an organization, the board of directors, the chief executive officer, and hierarchical levels, as well as issues pertaining to delegation and decentralization.” At MSD this is reflected by the establishment of several levels of authority, including a board of trustees, rate commission, CEO and corresponding directors and last management staff. The trustee board members are appointed three by the city mayor and three by the city county and are responsible for looking out for the interest of the customers, not of MSD. Additionally the board is also responsible for electing an
Natasa Margraf-White
MGT/230
September 1, 2014
Cedrina Charbonnet
Organizational Structure of MSD St. Louis The structure of an organization is the foundation for which the functionality of a company is based. It establishes a chain of command, indicating the different levels of responsibility in regards to the hierarchy of the company, the delegation of duties and the decision making process that is utilized. For business large and small there are three general structure types to consider; vertical, horizontal, and matrix with each having their own strengths and weaknesses. For most the use of these structures is dependent on the size and complexity of the business and most often a company will incorporate different aspects of two or more structures. The concept of using aspects from multiple structures is something that can be viewed at MSD, a city municipality responsible for the “interception, collection and treatment of wastewater, as well as stormwater management”. (“MSD Responsibilities”, 2014)
MSD’s Organizational Structure As established MSD is an organization that utilizes multiple structures to maintain a functioning business, however the core organizational structure is vertical. The vertical structure as establish by Bateman and Snell (2011, p. 278) pertains to the “authority within an organization, the board of directors, the chief executive officer, and hierarchical levels, as well as issues pertaining to delegation and decentralization.” At MSD this is reflected by the establishment of several levels of authority, including a board of trustees, rate commission, CEO and corresponding directors and last management staff. The trustee board members are appointed three by the city mayor and three by the city county and are responsible for looking out for the interest of the customers, not of MSD. Additionally the board is also responsible for electing an
References: MSD Responsibilities (2014). Retrieved August 30, 2014, from http://www.stlmsd.com/msd-work Organization Overview (2014). Retrieved August 30, 2014, from http://www.stlmsd.com/our-organization/organization-overview Bateman, T.S. & Snell, S.A. (2011). Management: Leading & Collaborating in a competitive world. (9th ed.) New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Irwin.