This assignment will help you research and understand what impact organizational structure and communication have on organizational behavior within an organization. As you complete this assignment, consider experiences you have had with organizational structure and communication. a 350- to 700-word paper that: 2 reputable references used to complete your chart. Reputable references include trade or industry publications; government or agency websites; scholarly works; your textbook, (2nd ed.); or other sources of similar quality. your paper according to APA guidelines. Purchase the answer to view it
Organizational structure and communication are key factors that significantly influence organizational behavior within an organization. Understanding their impact is crucial for managers and leaders to effectively manage their workforce and achieve organizational goals. This paper aims to discuss the impact of organizational structure and communication on organizational behavior, drawing from personal experiences and reputable references.
Organizational structure refers to how an organization arranges its resources, processes, and activities to meet its objectives. It defines the hierarchy, roles, and responsibilities within the organization. Various types of organizational structures exist, such as functional, divisional, matrix, and flat structures. The choice of organizational structure affects how employees interact, make decisions, and perform their tasks.
One notable impact of organizational structure on organizational behavior is its influence on communication patterns within the organization. In a hierarchical structure, communication flows from top to bottom, predominantly in a one-way manner. This can result in information distortion and diminished employee engagement. Conversely, in a flat structure, communication can flow more freely, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing among employees.
Personal experience has shown that a hierarchical structure can impede horizontal communication and limit employee autonomy. In a previous job, I worked in a functional structure where communication primarily flowed through designated supervisors. This limited my direct contact with colleagues in other functional areas, hindering collaboration and innovation. As a result, decision-making processes were slower, and departmental silos formed, negatively impacting organizational performance.
Reputable sources echo the importance of effective communication in organizational behavior. According to a scholarly work by Robbins and Judge (2019), organizations with open and transparent communication channels tend to have more engaged employees and higher levels of job satisfaction. Additionally, a study published in the Journal of Organizational Behavior (Brown & Leigh, 1996) found that communication clarity and effectiveness positively influenced employee performance and job satisfaction.
Organizational structure also impacts employee motivation and behavior. The design of the structure determines the extent of formalization and centralization in the organization. Highly formalized organizations have clearly defined procedures, rules, and policies, which can provide clarity and consistency but may stifle employee initiative and creativity. On the other hand, loosely structured organizations may offer greater flexibility but can lead to ambiguity and lack of accountability.
In a highly centralized organization, decision-making authority rests with a few individuals or a specific department, limiting the autonomy and involvement of employees. This can result in demotivation and reduced job satisfaction. Conversely, in a decentralized structure, decision-making authority is distributed across various levels, empowering employees and promoting a sense of ownership.
From personal experience, working in a centralized organization resulted in a lack of input in decision-making processes and reduced motivation. The rigid structure and limited delegation of authority led to frustration and reduced job satisfaction among employees. Innovative ideas were often not given adequate consideration, and opportunities for career advancement were limited.
Scholarly sources support the influence of organizational structure on employee motivation. A study published in the Journal of Applied Psychology (Parker & Axtell, 2001) found that employees in decentralized organizations reported higher levels of job satisfaction and were more motivated compared to those in centralized organizations. Similarly, a meta-analysis conducted by Vianen, de Pater, van Delft, et al. (2018) revealed a positive relationship between employee motivation and organic, less formalized organizational structures.
In conclusion, organizational structure and communication have a significant impact on organizational behavior within an organization. The choice of organizational structure determines communication patterns, employee autonomy, and motivation levels. A hierarchical structure can limit communication flow and hinder collaboration, while a flat structure can promote open communication and knowledge sharing. The level of formalization and centralization within the structure influences employee initiative, creativity, and motivation. Organizations must carefully consider these factors to promote positive organizational behavior and achieve desired outcomes.