Mechanistic and Organic Organizational Structures
The five structural factors just discussed give rise to numerous organizational
possibilities. Mechanistic and organic structures are two possibilities
at opposite ends of the organizational spectrum. They give
shape to the concept of the factors of organizational structure. A mechanistic
organization is characterized by the following structural factors:
✔ Degree of work specialization is high.
✔ Departmentalization is rigid.
✔ Managerial hierarchy has many layers.
✔ Span of control is narrow.
✔ Decision making is centralized.
Organizational Behavior 31
TLFeBOOK
✔ Chain of command is long.
✔ Organizational structure is very tall.
An organic organization is characterized by the following factors:
✔ Degree of work specialization is low.
✔ Departmentalization is loose.
✔ Managerial hierarchy has few layers.
✔ Span of control is wide.
✔ Decision making is decentralized.
✔ Chain of command is short.
✔ Organizational structure is flat.