■Organization design perspectives have varied over time. Managers can understand organizations better by gaining a historical perspective and by understanding the basics of organizational configuration. Five parts of the organization
are the technical core, top management, middle management, technical support,
and administrative support. Different configurations of these parts help organizations meet different needs.
■■ Organization designs fall on a scale ranging from mechanistic to organic.
A mechanistic design is characterized by a centralized structure, specialized
tasks, formal systems, vertical communication, and a strict hierarchy of authority. An organic design is characterized by a decentralized structure, empowered
roles, informal systems, horizontal communication, and collaborative teamwork. Challenges in today’s environment are causing many organizations to
shift to more organic designs, although mechanistic characteristics are still valu-
able for some situations.