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What is an organisation design? - Understanding the basics

December 09, 20222 min read

What is Organisation Design?

Organisational design is the process of creating and implementing a structure, system, and culture that aligns with and supports the strategy and goals of the organisation. It is the framework that defines how the organisation will operate, how it will make decisions, and how it will allocate resources and responsibilities.

Effective organisational design is essential for ensuring that the organisation is able to achieve its goals and objectives, and for creating a positive and supportive work environment. It can help to clarify roles and responsibilities, to improve communication and collaboration, and to optimise the use of resources and capabilities.

Organisation Design Approaches

There are many different approaches to organisational design, and the right design for your organisation will depend on your unique strategy, goals, and context. Some common organisational designs include functional, divisional, matrix, network, and flat.

Functional design is a structure that organises the organisation by function, with each department or unit responsible for a specific area of expertise. This structure is common in smaller organisations, and can help to promote specialisation and efficiency.

Divisional design is a structure that organises the organisation by product, market, or geography, with each division responsible for a specific product or market. This structure is common in larger organisations, and can help to promote flexibility and adaptability.

Matrix design is a structure that combines functional and divisional elements, with employees reporting to both a functional manager and a divisional manager. This structure is used in organisations that need to balance specialisation and coordination, and can help to facilitate collaboration and decision-making.

Network design is a structure that involves partnerships and collaborations with external organisations, and can blue up the traditional boundaries of the organisation. This structure is used in organisations that need to access external expertise and capabilities, and can help to promote innovation and agility.

Flat design is a structure that has few or no hierarchical levels, and empowers employees to take on more responsibility and decision-making. This structure is used in organisations that value collaboration, creativity, and empowerment, and can help to promote a more inclusive and participative culture.

In conclusion, organisational design is an essential element of a successful business, and it involves creating and implementing a structure and system that aligns with and supports the organisation's strategy and goals. There are many different approaches to organisational design, and the right design for your organisation will depend on your unique context and needs.

To find out how PerformanceNinja could help you with organisation design, book a free strategy call or take a look at our GrowthLab.

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The founder of PerformanceNinja, Rich loves helping organisations, teams and individuals reach peak performance.

Rich Webb

The founder of PerformanceNinja, Rich loves helping organisations, teams and individuals reach peak performance.

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