Hi, need to submit a 1500 words essay on the topic Describe the structure of an organization you know well in terms of this week's readings. In you response pay particular attention to aspects of orga

Hi, need to submit a 1500 words essay on the topic Describe the structure of an organization you know well in terms of this week's readings. In you response pay particular attention to aspects of organizational structure that seem to work well and those that seem particularly dysfunctional. Use outside re.

The need for designing an effective and efficient organisational structure arises because of the need to define the roles and responsibilities of different departments and managers. It is meant to divide the tasks, the work flows and coordination activities. Besides formal hierarchy, it also includes informal communication channels. Due care is exerted to define the relationship amongst different departments so that smooth communication channels exist amongst all the departments while exercising the powers and authority or while fixing the accountability issues. The structure of an organisation varies depending up the size of the organisation, complexities of its business challenges, its client base, the nature of its activities, the product or service profile, geographical or regional span of the activities etc. The salient features of a functional and evolving structure is that it not only defines the degree to which formal decision making is held by a group of people, but it also encourages experimenting with innovative ideas.

Flat or tall structure: This depends upon the types of business and size of the operations as well as the workforce. Key advantage of having departments and divisions is that each department is able to focus on the specialised task, accountability issues can easily be sorted out and roles are clear. But quite often such departmental structure also results in compartmentalisation which in turn leads to communication gaps. In addition the efficacy of such structure also depends upon how well the company can address the issues concerning coordination and resistance to change.

Levels of Hierarchy: Hierarchies are devised within organisation to have a smooth controlling and coordinating mechanism.

Span of Control: This includes the number of people directly reporting to the higher up. Flatter structures require a wider span, as the number of people often happens to be more. Under such situations the organisation needs support for other coordinating agencies as well

Command and Control chain: The command and control chain becomes crucial in case of disputes arising between two or more departments or between two similarly placed managers within the hierarchy.

Delegation or decentralisation of Power: This is devised by the need for control on the part of the management, increasing consistency and reducing costs. Factors favouring decentralisation include the extent of complexity and diversity prevailing within the organisation.

KPMG is an international organisation with footprints in many countries, so in order to have an effective control over the organisation. KPMG needs to respect the prevailing diversity as well. The organisation is divided into three main functional areas namely.

Audit: This division provides independent auditing services to a number of companies. KPMG provides appropriate resources and technological tools required for supporting the internal controls within those companies.