Change-Supporting Organizational Structures: Challenges and Limitations

Abstract

In the dynamic modern world, organizations are faced with the challenge of increasingly frequently undergoing changes as a response to the changed environment they operate in. The effectiveness of the undertaken changes, the time their implementation requires, and how easily they occur are strongly determined by organization design and, in particular, by organizational structure. Based on a review of findings by a number of researchers, consultants and practitioners, this paper outlines the dimensions of structuring which would enable organizations to incorporate change in their daily routine, to include it in their organizational mindset, and, in this way, to become continuously changing organizations instead of such that are required to undergo radical changes. The advantages and limitations of those structures that are considered to be change-supporting, are discussed. The conclusions can be of use to managers in revising the existing structures in their organizations and in choosing such ones which would facilitate the implementation of whatever changes are necessary and whenever they are necessary.