Mechanistic vs. Organic Structures

Managers taking a contingency approach must consider numerous factors in designing the best kind of structure for their particular organization at that particular time. British behaviorists Tom Burns and G.M. Stalker identified what they call mechanistic and organic structures. Depending on the task environment and a variety of other considerations, the type of organizational structure chosen can be critical to organizational success. This exercise will test your knowledge of the characteristics of each of these types of organizational structure.

Select the most appropriate category (mechanistic or organic structure) for each of the characteristics of organizations.

1. Few rules and procedures
2. Narrow span of control
3. Specialized tasks
4. Many teams or task forces
5. Many rules and procedures
6. Decentralized hierarchy of authority
7. Flatter structure
8. Informal communication
9. Taller structure
10. Centralized hierarchy of authority
11. Wider span of control
12. Shared tasks
13. Formalized communication
14. Few teams or task forces

Category:

a. Mechanistic Organizations
b. Organic Organizations