Understanding Organizational Structure

Front

Hierarchy

Back

Levels of authority in an organization

Front

Span of Control

Back

Number of subordinates a manager oversees

Front

Centralization

Back

Decision-making concentrated at top levels

Front

Decentralization

Back

Decision-making distributed throughout organization

Front

Functional Structure

Back

Organization divided by specialized functions

Front

Divisional Structure

Back

Organization divided by products or regions

Front

Matrix Structure

Back

Combines functional and divisional structures

Front

Flat Structure

Back

Few or no levels of middle management

Front

Tall Structure

Back

Many levels of hierarchy

Front

Line Authority

Back

Direct control over subordinates